Ferntree Gully Learn Local has shared in a $2.8 million funding boost to deliver training for priority learners including early school leavers, women seeking to re-enter the workforce and unemployed workers, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane today announced that Mountain District Learning Centre will received $50,000 in the latest round of grants through the Capacity and Innovation Fund.

This funding will help deliver the Advancing Adult Literacy Engagement in Knox and Surrounds which will the project will create opportunities for people in the Knox LGA and surrounding area to engage with Adult Literacy programs.

It combines the collective strength of established partners who have a shared commitment to improving literacy across the community and creates opportunities for local cohorts to access literacy programs, working to strengthen the outreach, access and engagement strategies that have been trialled over recent years.   A key strategy in this project is to expand the volunteer literacy tutor program.  Literacy engagement will be expanded with pop-up opportunities, rotating across organisations and locations within the community.

Around 60 projects have shared in $2.8 million across the Learn Local network. Programs include helping newly arrived migrants find employment pathways as well as training and mentoring programs to help women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds start their own microbusinesses.

The Capacity and Innovation Fund (CAIF) provides funding for Learn Local providers to develop and implement projects designed to meet learner needs and to increase participation in pre-accredited training programs.

The Labor Government has invested $5 million to boost language, literacy and numeracy training at Learn Local providers.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane

“We are funding Learn Locals like Advancing Adult Literacy Engagement in Knox and Surrounds to help these providers to transform lives and support incredible programs.”

“Learn Locals not only provide crucial educational programs, but they’re also a significant hub for local communities to get together and connect.”

Quotes Attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney

“Learn Locals provide Victorians with the opportunity to take their first step in training and on the path to a job – they are a crucial part of the training system and work at the grassroots of our communities.”