Learn Local organisations in Gippsland are being encouraged to apply for a share in $2 million of Andrews Labor Government funding.

The Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board has launched its latest Capacity and Innovation Funding Round, with applications closing on 15 December.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP said funding is available for projects of up to 18 months that build organisational capacity, drive innovation and help to improve learner engagement, participation and attainment.

There are over 300 Learn Local organisations in Victoria and every year they help more than 50,000 Victorians to develop new skills and pursue their goals of getting work or going on to further education.

Harriet Shing MP said without Learn Local organisations some Gippslanders would struggle to get the skills they need to move into work or further study.

The Andrews Government is transforming Victoria into the Education State through a range of initiatives including:

• Funding for pre-accredited training through the ACFE Board will increase by nearly $2 million in 2016;
• The independent VET Funding Review, which is developing a more sustainable and stable funding model to better meet the skills needs of Victorians for the long-term and
• The opening of Skills and Jobs Centres which are one-stop-shops for students looking to start training, workers needing to reskill and unemployed workers needing support for retraining.

Successful applicants will be notified in April 2016, to find your nearest Learn Local, go to learnlocal.org.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“I encourage all Learn Local Organisations in Gippsland to apply for this funding so they can deliver even more programs to locals.”

“These grants will ensure Learn Local organisations in our region have the funding the need to help our community.”

“Learn Locals in Gippsland do a fantastic job in providing pre-accredited training which helps people from all backgrounds to get the skills they need to find a job or move onto further training.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert

“Our investment in Learn Locals is very important. Pre-accredited training provides disadvantaged learners with opportunities to get off the treadmill of unemployment and back on the footpath to work or further study.”