The Victorian and Albanese Labor governments have opened a new $4.5 million scholarship program aimed at strengthening the adult community education workforce, with funding to help more Victorians train as teachers in language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
The Adult Community Education Scholarships Program was announced on Monday by Federal Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles and Victorian Skills and TAFE Minister Colin Brooks.
Under the program, scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 will be offered to support prospective, new and existing Learn Local teachers and trainers to complete approved specialist courses. The money can be used for fees as well as study-related costs such as books, internet access and living expenses.
Courses covered by the scheme are offered through Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre, Chisholm Institute, Charles Sturt University and Victoria University.
The program has been framed as a response to ongoing gaps in foundation skills across Victoria. In announcing the scholarships, the government said one in three Victorians has a low level of literacy that can make it harder to find and keep work, arguing that more specialist teachers are needed to help adults build reading, writing, numeracy and digital capability.
Giles said the investment was about making sure more people could get the help they need to build those essential skills.
“Foundation skills are essential to help people in their workplace, to help those looking for work, and to build confidence and skills out and about in the community. That’s why we’re delivering this funding to ensure more teachers can reach more students, where they need it,” he said.
He added,
“Labor is the party of skills, and the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are focused on ensuring that every Victorian can access the skills and training they need to set themselves up for the future.”
Brooks said the scholarships were about backing both learners and the educators who support them. “We proudly back adult education so Victorians can get the skills they need for the secure job they want,” he said.
“We’re supporting educators to teach vital skills like reading and writing because Labor believes no one should be left behind.”
The funding is being delivered through the National Skills Agreement, a five-year deal between the Commonwealth and the states and territories worth up to $30 billion to strengthen the vocational education and training sector. According to the Victorian Government’s guidelines, scholarships will be available between 2026 and 2028, with applications for 2026 already open and places to be assessed by education providers in order of submission.
For applicants, the program is open to Victorian residents who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, and who are not already receiving other department support for the same approved course. The government has urged people to apply early, with some 2026 course intakes already listed and closing dates to be confirmed directly with providers.
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