Edition 78, May 2010

Adult literacy and numeracy a key focus

Adult literacy and numeracy a key focusThe Australian Government will invest almost $120 million over the next four years to create unprecedented access to language, literacy and numeracy programs.

This investment will help address the language, literacy and numeracy deficits that prevent many Australians from getting a job or achieving their full potential in the workforce.

The Foundation Skills Package will ensure that up to 140,000 Australians learn the basic skills they need to be successful at work over the next four years.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy program

$67 million will be invested over four years to strengthen the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) program to better equip over 70,000 job seekers with critical language, literacy and numeracy skills.

These job seekers will include Indigenous Australians, young people, mature aged and people in regional and remote locations.
 

Workplace English, Language and Literacy (WELL) program

The Government will invest an extra $15.7 million in the WELL program, which works with industry to help existing employees improve their language, literacy and numeracy skills.

This additional investment will provide an additional 9,500 places over four years.

The Government will also commit $13.1 million to open up 8,000 innovative community-based places over four years through informal learning options such as men's sheds.
 

National Foundation Skills Outreach and Leadership Project

The Australian Government will invest $23.5 million into the National Foundation Skills Outreach and Leadership program to develop a national adult literacy and numeracy strategy in conjunction with the state and territory governments.

The project will have a particular focus on improving the core skills of trade apprentices in the national training system, especially in those sectors where high levels of numeracy are required.

A national education campaign will also be conducted to de-stigmatise participation in language, literacy and numeracy training in the community.

For more information visit http://budget.australia.gov.au/

This page was generated on 31 May, 2010