Advocacy
Inquiry into access to TAFE for learners with disability
ACEVic, in collaboration with Adult Learning Australia (ALA) and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHV) have submitted a response to the Victorian Legislative Assemble Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s Inquiry into access to TAFE for learners with disability. Read the submission here.
Skills for Victoria – Independant Review
ACEVic recently provided a submission to the Skills for Victoria – Independent Review, led by The Hon. Jenny Macklin. Follow the link to read our submission.
The Victorian Government commissioned this Review to understand the importance of post-secondary education and training to our future prosperity. Following an extensive consultation process, recommendations will be tested with key stakeholders and presented to the Government. The final report is currently due to be delivered by October 2020.
The review is examining a range of issues and making recommendations, including:
- The Education and training needs for jobs in Victoria over the next 10 years.
- What reforms are required to meet the skills and capability needs of industry and employers, government, and the community over the next decade.
- What reforms are required to build industry investment in skills and workforce development, including apprenticeships and traineeships?
- What reforms are required to improve pathways, and connections, between TAFE and other VET providers, adult and community education providers, universities and other non-university higher education providers, schools, and employers, so students can easily understand and navigate
- What reforms are required to improve the funding arrangements of Victoria’s VET sector?
National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development Review
Along with Adult Learning Australia, Neighbourhood Houses Victoria and Community Colleges Australia, ACEVic submitted a response to the Productivity Commission’s Interim Report review.
The NASWD is a high-level agreement that identifies the national skills and workforce development needs and recognises the interest of all governments in ensuring the skills of the Australian people are developed and utilised in the economy. The need for reform of the national training system has been identified, to ensure it delivers the high quality, responsive, equitable and efficient training outcomes.
The NASWD’s objectives are to ensure the VET system delivers a productive and highly skilled workforce; enables all working age Australians to develop the skills and qualifications needed to participate effectively in the labour market and contribute to Australia’s economic future; and supports increased rates of workforce participation.
Follow this link to read our submission, which recommended the national agreement acknowledge the unique model of the Victorian ACE sector and the critical role ACE plays within the post-secondary education system in supporting vulnerable learners and workers.
ACE Sector Statement of Commitment
The Minister for Training and Skills and the Minister for Higher Education, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, has released a Ministerial Statement outlining a six-year reform agenda for adult community education in Victoria.
The statement recognises that adult and community education plays an integral role in Victoria’s broader education sector. Victoria leads Australia in providing accessible and tailored lifelong learning opportunities for adult learners seeking to develop the skills they need for work, further study, and to participate fully in the Victorian community.
How to build local relationships
ACEVic meets and informs politicians at a State level, and we are asking members to have strong relationships with their local MP’s for greater impact. To assist in activities in which organisations can do at a local level, we have developed a “Building Relationship with Local MP’s” information guide.
Future Opportunities for Adult Leaners
ACEVic contributed to the response of the discussion paper that NHVIC and Adult Learning Australia submitted in conjunction with Community Colleges Australia. The paper considers whether the adult community education sector is equipped with the system-level supports and capabilities to support at risk Victorians into social and economic participation through education.