The Department of Education and Training has launched a set of new initiatives aimed at boosting the State’s job rate by reducing adult illiteracy and innumeracy rates.
Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education, Gayle Tierney said there were 650,000 Victorians with low level literacy and 970,000 with low levels of numeracy.
Ms Tierney said the Government would introduce new training for teachers in the adult community education sector, so they would have the skills and expertise to address the problem.
“Illiteracy and innumeracy create significant barriers in a person’s life,” Ms Tierney said.
“These new courses will make it easier for people to fulfill their ambitions – in life and in their career,” she said.
“Through adult community education, people gain the confidence to overcome isolation, create meaningful connections with others and feel valued for their contributions in their communities.”
Ms Tierney said local employers would also work with adult community education providers to make it easier for graduate students to get jobs.
She said the Adult, Community and Further Education Board would drive the implementation of these and other vital initiatives to improve adult community education in Victoria.
