A new study into the effectiveness of pre-apprenticeships shows that they have strong support from employers and training providers, and that they improve the prospects of individuals taking up an apprenticeship and completing it. The study finds that, contrary to some recent evidence, pre-apprenticeships play an important role in improving labour market outcomes in the […]
More than 200 young South Australians will gain skills that could lead to an apprenticeship through the $1 million ‘Kickstart’ training program. Employment, Higher Education and Skills Minister, Tom Kenyon says the program will support 15 pre-apprenticeship training courses being delivered across the State. “This program aims to increase the number of young people taking […]
There is no doubt that libraries are a fantastic community resource, but what do you do when your nearest library is 800 km away and you love to read? For an increasing number of rural Australians, the answer is in book-club programs that distribute titles by post. Two book-club participants share their stories: There is […]
Leading the way with green buildings and innovative social enterprise programs, regional South Australia is home to some exciting community learning centres and recently Quest was lucky enough to visit four of them in a day as part of Community Centres SA’s conference held in May. In an impressive feat of logistics, conference organisers coached […]
No longer merely a repository of books, libraries are currently in a state of dynamic evolution, with their mission shifting increasingly towards community learning. In September this year, Sally Thompson from Adult Learning Australia will be presenting at the trans Tasman Learning for All conference about the partnership possibilities for libraries and ACE organisations. Quest […]
At this year’s ALA National Conference, keynote speaker, Lyn Carson, professorial fellow with the School of Humanities and Communication Arts at the University of Western Sydney, will speak about her research in the field of deliberative democracy and how the wider public can help to resolve policy challenges. Quest catches up with her about her […]
It’s not just businesses that can benefit from a digital shopfront. Not-for-profit and community organisations can gain a lot from being online, particularly as that is where most Australians are now communicating and connecting. Having an online presence can open up so many opportunities for community organisations. It can help you: increase awareness of your campaign […]
Across Tasmania, fathers of all kinds, many of whom left school with low literacy and have been long-term unemployed, are getting a second chance to learn through a thriving network of dads groups, while their kids play on the swings outside. Quest meets the man whose own learning journey has made it all happen. In […]
Volunteers help to keep community organisations sustainable and viable. But volunteer management can be challenging. It requires effective planning in terms of Recruitment, Retention and Recognition – the 3 Rs. This session will cover the key aspects of a successful volunteer program in terms of the 3Rs. Participants will enhance their understanding of best practice in […]
Australian Government funding for 10 community organisations will help them deliver a range of innovative, locally-driven projects to support disadvantaged Australians. The Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, today announced the funding of $715,240 under the Community Investment Program. “The Community Investment Program has a strong focus on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people and building […]
Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall today launched a new publication to support educational opportunities for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) adult learners. With nearly half of Victorians born overseas or having at least one parent who was, Mr Hall said the Responding to CALD Learners: Cultural Diversity in Action report provided a […]
A new social enterprise has seen businesses and community groups in Bridgewater, Brighton and Gagebrook in Tasmania team up to help locals secure ongoing training and employment, and carry out maintenance and beautification projects in the area. The Labor Member for Lyons, Rebecca White, today joined members of Community Blitz to launch the group’s first […]
More than 7400 training places will be made available through a $3.25 million South Australian Government Adult Community Education (ACE) initiative. Employment, Higher Education and Skills Minister, Tom Kenyon said the funding would be used to improve the skill levels of adults who face economic and social barriers preventing them from moving to higher level […]
“Too much belly dancing,” is a cry often heard from government as a justification for cutting funding to adult education but at yesterday’s Forum on the Future of Adult and Further Education in Melbourne, presenter Barry Golding said that these kinds of digs at adult learning were a “cheap shot” and displayed a fundamental lack […]
Community groups across Queensland are sharing in $125,000 for activities that celebrate older people and challenge stereotypes during Seniors Week 2012. Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, Tracy Davis, said it was important for Queenslanders to recognise older citizens’ achievements and contribution to our communities. “Seniors have spent decades doing their bit for […]
