ACE plays a particular role in regional and rural Australia in many small towns and places as it is often the only ‘on the ground’ provider of adult literacy, informal education services and post-compulsory education in the locality.
ACE is an undervalued community asset which, with increased profile and coherent policy and funding approaches, could further support the VET systems’ performance in relation to improving access, participation and outcomes for people who are living in regional and remote areas of Australia.
ACE offers pathways into learning and work and must be strengthened and supported to get more people living in RRR areas into higher education and vocational training.
Mapping education and learning infrastructure and programs in the RRR areas could help identify gaps and better inform planning and policy.