February 9, 2015

$78,000 boost for learn local programs

State Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, and the Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, today announced $78,000 for Learn Local providers in the Macedon Ranges and Castlemaine districts.

Kyneton Community and Learning Centre, Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre, Goldfields Employment and Learning Centre and the Castlemaine and District Continuing Education will all directly benefit from the funding.

"This funding will bring together the Learn Local providers to develop a model for administrative services, share expertise, and resources, improving opportunities for people who have previously experienced barriers to education to develop the skills they need to find work or further their education," Ms Edwards said.

Programs are designed to help learners gain the confidence and skills needed to look for a job or go on to further study. They include courses in communication, job search skills, getting ready to go back to work and literacy and numeracy.

"Learn Local providers play a crucial role in connecting people with meaningful vocational options that either lead to jobs or further training and study and this grant will enable them to provide those services much more efficiently," Ms Thomas said.

"This funding is a lifeline for many disadvantaged learners in the local community.""I’m pleased to see local organisations across the Macedon Ranges and in Castlemaine partnering together to provide better opportunities for learners," Ms Thomas said.

"We’re not wasting a second in making Victoria the Education State and strengthening our Learn Locals will make training more accessible to adult learners and help skill our workforce for jobs now and in the future," Ms Edwards said.

To find out more about how the Partnership for Access Program is supporting Learn Locals, visit www.learnlocal.org.au

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