The NSW Government is committing $17.8 million to fund not-for-profit community education providers that help thousands of disadvantaged, regional and remote learners in NSW gain access to formal education and training.
Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business John Barilaro said 35 providers through the Adult Community Education (ACE) program will assist those who need additional support including students with disabilities, the long term unemployed, Indigenous students or those receiving welfare and their dependents.
“The NSW Government is providing people with a choice and access to the best training available and Adult and Community Education providers are vital in helping students that may need additional support,” Mr Barilaro said.
Courses funded through NSW ACE provide an important pathway for foundation skills, pre-vocational or bridging programs to more formal education and work-related training.
“In one case we have been able to support a young mother of three who studied for a Certificate III in aged care leading to completion of a Cert IV and she is now in her first year of nursing at the University of Wollongong with a job in an aged care facility,” Mr Barilaro said
Funds will be provided to not-for profit community based organisations for specific types of training and support to help many in the community gain opportunities that they otherwise would not receive.
NSW ACE courses also offer other educational, social and civic engagement benefits aimed at removing disadvantage and improving opportunity.
“A typical student studying at an ACE provider is twice as likely to have a disability compared to students in other Vocational Education and Training programs which is why this funding is so important,” Mr Barilaro said.
NSW continues to have the strongest economy of any state in the country and the highest jobs growth confirming the position as the economic powerhouse of the nation.
“To ensure that our economic advantage is supported and sustained, we need to continue to strengthen our skills base by providing vocational education and training options that connect everyone with jobs,” Mr Barilaro said.
For more information visit: https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/
