New Adult Learning Strategy for skills and jobs

Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Education and Training

The new Tasmanian Adult Learning Strategy – skills for work and life, launched today, will support lifelong learning for all Tasmanians to improve the skills of individuals and help them find fulfilling careers.

We recognise that improving access to learning for adults is key to a strong Tasmania, as lifelong learning drives connected communities, supports people to participate in the workforce and is vital for Tasmania’s economic success.

The new strategy, boosted by a $4.4 million investment, has been developed with input from across government, the community and business sector to provide a comprehensive policy framework and ensure Tasmania has the skilled workforce needed to support our economy.

The strategy will help ensure that all Tasmanians are better supported to engage or re-engage in learning to improve their employment opportunities, build personal confidence, improve dignity, and set the foundation for strong mental health and well-being.

Key features of the strategy include:

• Expansion of the 26TEN model to deliver additional local services to help lift literacy and numeracy levels for more Tasmanians;
• Additional no-cost training places for literacy and numeracy volunteers;
• A new telephone support service to help adult learners identify and access the services they need to re-engage with learning; and
• A dedicated Adult Learning Coordinator to work across government and with key stakeholders to oversee implementation of the strategy.

The new initiatives funded under the strategy complements existing work that supports adult learning such as the $21 million JobTrainer Fund, the Training and Work Pathways Program and the Rapid Response Skills Initiative.

Together, these programs and the new strategy support getting more people the skills needed to find the right job and to provide a skilled workforce as we recovery and rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19.

The new Adult Learning Strategy – skills for work and life is available at www.skills.tas.gov.au