Table 1: Performance against output performance measures
| Performance measure | Unit of measure | 2023–24 actual | 2023–24 target | Performance variation (%) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of government-subsidised pre‑accredited module enrolments funded through the ACFE Boardi | Number | 63,525ii | 47,400 | 34 | ✓iii |
(i) This performance measure is proposed to be discontinued and replaced with a new performance measure, ‘Number of government-subsidised pre-accredited training hours funded through the ACFE Board’, as payments are based on hours delivered.
(ii) The 2023–24 outcome is higher than the 2023–24 target due to the take-up of shorter pre-accredited training modules delivering agile and responsive training.
(iii) Performance target achieved or exceeded.
Participation in board-funded training
In 2023, the board funded the training of 28,013 Victorians through 229 contracted Learn Local providers, including AMES Australia.
This funding provided access to learning opportunities for:
- 19,387 female learners (69% of all learners)
- 6,773 regional learners (24% of all learners)
- 5,939 learners who are early school leavers (21% of all learners)
- 690 learners who are vulnerable workers (that is, those at risk of retrenchment; 2.5% of all learners)
- 546 First Nations learners (1.9% of all learners)
- 7,855 unemployed learners (28% of all learners)
- 5,709 learners with disability (20% of all learners)
- 422 disengaged young learners (1.5% of all learners)
- 13,831 learners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (49% of all learners).
Note: Learners can be counted in more than one learner group.
Key initiatives and projects
This annual report describes the board’s key initiatives and projects. They are grouped by the Strategy’s 4 strategic priorities, which are:
- our learners
- our partners
- our people
- our board.
Strategic priority: Our learners
Engagement and confidence-building
- Maintaining – and building on – the core strengths of Learn Local education and training
- Continuing to successfully engage and re-engage adult learners
- Providing supportive, inclusive, flexible learning environments
Skills for further education, training, work, volunteering and life
- Providing access to developing core skills for learners in every local government area
- Offering equitable access for learners, regardless of their location, background or circumstances
In 2024, learners in Learn Local courses were again included in the VET Student Satisfaction Survey program.
The 2024 Pre-accredited Learner Survey collected data from learners who participated in Learn Local courses in 2023. It had a response rate of 37% (8,248 learners).
The survey results were very positive and indicated that in 2023 pre-accredited learners were highly satisfied with the teaching and learning provided:
- 83% indicated that they achieved their main reason for training
- 89% reported satisfaction with course materials and facilities, as well as with the support they received from their trainers
- 87% reported having positive perceptions of the teaching
- 93% reported a safe, welcoming and culturally appropriate learning environment that factored in the diversity of learners
- 91% would recommend their Learn Local provider
- 92% were satisfied that their provider had identified their learning needs
- 83% were satisfied that their pre-accredited course addressed their learning needs.
Overall, employment outcomes improved for the pre-accredited learners following a Learn Local course. The survey indicated:
- improved employment outcomes (up by 3.5 percentage points from 2022)
- a decline in unemployment (down by 1.2 percentage points from 2022)
- a slight increase in the rate of volunteering and unpaid work (up by 1.2 percentage points from 2022)
- an increase in workforce participation (up by 3.5 percentage points from 2022).
About 24% of the learners took Learn Local courses for work-related reasons. These learners experienced the greatest overall improvement in employment outcomes (employment up by 13 percentage points from 2022). About 70% of respondents who experienced an increase in employment were in this group. All the respondents who experienced a decline in unemployment were in this group. Almost half the respondents who experienced an increase in labour force participation were in this group.
The board partnered with VAEAI for the Supporting Koorie Self-Determination in Pre-accredited Training and ACFE Programs project as part of its commitment to supporting First Nations peoples in enhancing their capacity and engagement to learn more independently. The partnership produced a set of principles and protocols to increase the capabilities of Learn Locals to support self-determination for Aboriginal learners and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations in Learn Local courses and other board-funded programs.
The principles and protocols resource, Koorie education in Learn Locals: Best practice and protocols, was launched by the Minister for Skills and TAFE on 17 April 2024. The resource was distributed to all Learn Local providers and made available on the Learn Local Secure Portal and Resources Hub.
Preparation of professional development for the sector is underway.
Stronger by Design aims to improve opportunities and outcomes for educationally disadvantaged Victorians by supporting their language, literacy, numeracy, employability and digital skills. This helps them access accredited training, secure jobs and participate effectively in their communities.
The Stronger by Design pre-accredited training model approved by the board in late 2022 built on the PQF launched in June 2013, which aimed to provide consistency and foster a culture of continuous improvement in the teaching and learning of pre-accredited programs.
During 2023–24, reviews of the PQF, the Ministerial Statement and the board’s Strategy 2020–25 were conducted. This guided the development of the Stronger by Design pre-accredited training model and resources, in partnership with Learn Local providers. The process included gaining input from 3 tranches of Learn Local providers and involved 86 staff members in co-designing, testing and piloting the courses and associated professional development.
Employability skills are part of every Learn Local course. They include knowledge and skills such as self management, learning to learn, teamwork, problem-solving, planning and organising, and initiative and enterprise.
In 2023–24, Learn Local staff participated in professional development that focused on practical approaches to assessing a learner’s employability skills using the Employability Skills Initial Check Kit (ESICK).
ESICK is an indicative formative assessment process that allows prospective adult learners to tell their own story about their use of employability skills. They describe experiences in life, education and work in a guided conversation with an educator using a selected scenario.
The Victorian Budget 2021–22 allocated funding over 2 years to the Digital Literacy Skills for Adults program. This program aims to equip pre-accredited learners with digital literacy and related employability skills to enhance their employment prospects.
As the initiative was extended for an additional 2 years in the 2023–24 State Budget, the program will now be delivered in 2024 and 2025. It will feature both centrally and locally developed curriculum, delivered through the Digital Literacy and Employability Essentials, with a digital training component in the program categories.
The Family Learning Partnerships (FLP) program assists families to overcome barriers to participation in education and training. In particular, it supports participants to progress to further education, such as pre accredited or accredited programs, or to gain employment.
Some adult learners face complex challenges that preclude them from participating in education, including emotional, financial, health and skills-related barriers. In addition, they may experience disproportionate barriers to accessing education due to factors such as childcare and family relationships.
The FLP program, funded by the board and offered by Learn Locals, partners with school, community and industry organisations. It provides opportunities for learners with childcare responsibilities to engage in positive learning experiences and to gain the confidence and skills needed to take their next steps in education or employment.
In response to the impact of COVID-19, and to the effects of bushfires and floods on some regional areas, the board agreed that all Learn Locals managing FLP projects that were to conclude in 2023 could apply for a 12-month funding extension (through to 2024). The board was eager to enable the providers to consolidate outcomes and meet objectives. Twenty-two FLP projects were granted an extension.
The board also approved a new round of FLP projects to commence in 2024 for a 2-year period. An expression of interest was launched in 2023 and received an enthusiastic response from the Learn Local sector. Thirty-five FLP projects were approved and have commenced in 2024. Each Learn Local receives $35,000 per annum, conditional upon meeting a series of milestones over the period.
Projects are underway across the state, in metropolitan and rural and regional districts. They aim to address the diverse needs that have been identified. Projects include literacy and social inclusion initiatives, multicultural social enterprises and learning engagement programs for young mothers and women from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
In February 2023, the board made available a one-off $8,000 (excl. GST) Local Innovation Grant to all contracted Learn Locals to support them in attracting and retaining pre-accredited learners and improving their learning experiences. Providers impacted by regional flooding could allocate funds to address resulting disruptions to services.
The grant required providers to submit a purchasing plan and rationale that aligned with the program’s criteria and did not replicate existing work and deliverables. Following evaluation by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (the department), 208 grants were awarded, with a total value of $1,664,000.
Grants were acquitted following final program delivery in late 2023 and early 2024, in line with the submitted purchasing plans. Examples of project and program innovation supported by the grant funding include:
- building provider profiles and partnerships with local businesses and organisations to increase program visibility
- using media to expand the reach of programs and awareness about them, and build engagement
- purchasing electronic devices to support critical digital skills
- expanding program delivery to include online options
- broadening transport programs to expand student engagement.
The board sponsors nationally recognised accredited curricula that support adult learners to improve their literacy, basic numeracy and general education skills, so they are better prepared to pursue further study, qualifications and work.
The curricula include one Course in Initial General Education for Adults and 4 Certificates in General Education for Adults (CGEA).
Training organisations in Victoria are the primary users of the CGEA, but other jurisdictions also offer the curricula.
In 2023–24, Victoria University, the board-appointed curriculum maintenance manager, continued to provide core services for the CGEA and teacher professional development sessions.
Accreditation of the certificates has been renewed to 30 June 2025.
The board sponsors and funds an accredited curriculum that supports educationally disadvantaged Victorians to successfully transition into tertiary education and training pathways. The Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation is currently accredited to 30 June 2026.
Strategic priority: Our partners
Partnering and collaboration
- Developing partnerships between Learn Local providers, TAFEs, universities and other parts of the post-compulsory education system
- Developing partnerships between Learn Local providers and employers
- Developing arrangements for non-educational supports for learners from health and community services partners
A priority provider of solutions
- Delivering practical solutions aligned with employers’ needs and Victorian Government priorities
Just in Time Learn Local Industry Partnerships (Just in Time) support Learn Local providers to finalise an emerging partnership with a local business that has an immediate work issue for which there is a pre‑accredited program solution.
Just in Time helps the business and the Learn Local providers co‑design a pre-accredited training solution. The program to be delivered must have at least one intake of learners. In 2023–24, 8 new projects were contracted across the industry field areas of hospitality, retail, early childhood, aged care, manufacturing, community support, and public service, and 11 of the 2022 contracted projects were completed.
A board initiative, Learn Local Industry Practice Networks develop and pilot sustainable network models that support and promote Learn Local engagement with industry, for the benefit of pre-accredited learners.
Industry Practice Networks comprise Learn Local providers that are specialists in their field. They are led by project coordinators and Learn Local mentors, who support other Learn Local providers interested in working with local employers. Initially, 3 industry practice fields have been approved by the board: building and civil construction, health support and allied services, and aged care.
Strategic priority: Our people
Investing in the Learn Local workforce
- Investing in the professional development of Learn Local leaders and educators
Investing in improved products and tools
- Investing in high-quality learning resources
The board’s 12-month program of professional development is designed to build the capacity of the Learn Local workforce. All professional development activities are planned and developed in accordance with strategic priorities and demonstrated need in the sector.
In 2023–24, many successful professional development programs were offered to the Learn Local sector to build its capacity to deliver high-quality pre-accredited literacy, numeracy and digital programs:
- The Adult Literacy and Numeracy Practitioners Program (ALNPP) Professional Learning Network extended the teaching practice of more than 270 Learn Local trainers and practitioners through high-quality literacy, numeracy and digital professional learning, mentoring and collaborative learning opportunities.
- The ALNPP Koorie module supported 22 Learn Local practitioners to develop cultural competency and gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal pedagogies and inclusive teaching practice.
The VET Development Centre (VDC) delivered board-funded digital skills programs to more than 100 Learn Local practitioners to support them to embed digital skills in their teaching practice and embrace blended delivery models.
The VDC also delivered professional learning in teaching vulnerable learners professional leadership skills, in areas such as financial management, governance and strategic planning, for approximately 150 Learn Local practitioners.
Wyndham Community and Education Centre delivered professional development to more than 90 Learn Local practitioners on the use of the board’s centralised curricula, focusing on digital skills for jobseekers and the workplace.
Victoria University delivered workshops for Learn Local trainers and practitioners on actively engaging learners in real-world, authentic and meaningful project-based learning.
Women’s Health Victoria offered additional gender-equity professional development to build awareness of gender equality and intersectionality within Learn Local educational settings.
The Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Educational Council offered professional learning to 110 Learn Local practitioners in teaching and contextualised approaches for adults with low literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
A program of professional development on embedding employability skills in Learn Local courses was completed by 32 participants.
The Small Business Mentoring Service offered mentoring opportunities to Learn Local stakeholders on strategic planning, marketing and industry engagement practices.
More than 400 Learn Local practitioners attended the Learn Local Marketplace, which offered professional learning opportunities on a range of innovative programs, practices and resources.
The Learn Local Secure Portal is a learning management system and repository for board-funded centralised curricula for the Learn Local sector. In 2023–24, the Learn Local Secure Portal was optimised for delivery of online professional learning. There are more than 500 users in the portal and existing and professional development assets are now readily accessible, as are high-quality teaching and learning curricula.
The PPRF identifies the professional practices required to deliver high-quality pre-accredited adult language, literacy, numeracy, employability and digital programs. In the second half of 2023, a complementary online learning module and self-assessment tool was made available to the Learn Local sector.
Data from the online assessment tool will inform board decisions about investment in professional development for Learn Local practitioners. It will support an integrated, long-term professional development approach for the Learn Local workforce.
Recognising and building on the talents of the Learn Local workforce is critical to achieving all other goals for the sector.
Strategic priority: Our board
Stewardship and governance
- Meeting the expectations and relevant outcomes set out in the Ministerial Statement The future of adult community education in Victoria 2020–25
- Modelling ethical, values-based stewardship and governance
Communicating value and impact
- Championing and communicating the value that the Learn Local sector creates
Implementation of the board’s Brand and Value Proposition project continues. An initial literature review in 2019 led to a refreshed approach to Learn Local branding through the development and release of Learn Local Brand Guidelines and a design toolkit in 2021, as well as the roll-out of the Learn Local ‘Core Skills’ marketing campaign (funded via the Victorian State Budget).
Since then, a range of activities have been designed to establish consistent messaging and refine communications channels and resources. The aim is to support strategic engagement and raise awareness of the sector among learners and key stakeholders, forming the basis of the Brand and Value Proposition workstream.
The Learn Local ‘Your Goals, Your Way’ campaign was developed and finalised during the reporting period – a major achievement, years in the making. Phase 1 of this large-scale marketing and promotional campaign (the largest investment the board has made in this area) aims to raise awareness of the sector and increase brand recognition of the Learn Local sector among the Victorian community, while increasing enrolments by priority learner groups. It also aims to ensure the Learn Local sector is well understood by key referral and partner stakeholders as a key part of Victoria’s post-compulsory education and training ecosystem.
The campaign’s first phase was launched in mid-February 2024 and ran until 30 June 2024. Ongoing improvements to the campaign media planning are now underway, with marketing and public relations approaches devised to effectively target priority groups, such as culturally and linguistically diverse people and First Nations Victorians, to feature in the second phase, scheduled to be launched in 2024–25.
Other elements progressed in 2023–24 included a refresh of the Learn Local Brand Guidelines and establishment of a Learn Local Resources Hub in partnership with printing company Finsbury Green. The partnership allows Learn Local providers, regional councils, board members and department staff to order free printed posters and signage, factsheets, Learn Local Regional Stakeholders Profiles, new course guides and other promotional collateral produced under the Brand and Value Proposition project.
During 2023–24, the Audit and Risk Committee continued to fulfil its legislated functions. Achievements included an initial refresh of the board’s risk register and a review of the board’s risk management processes to align them with those of the department.
The committee again reviewed the board’s annual financial statements and the board’s annual report, providing recommendations to the board for approval. The committee also maintained engagement with the department’s internal audit function, oversaw the board’s compliance with various legislative requirements and monitored provision risk in the sector.
The board’s Finance Committee continued to fulfil its role to advise the board on matters relating to funding allocations to the sector, debt recovery and budget allocations and expenditure, and lead any improvements to the board’s financial efficiency and sustainability.
The board’s Planning, Prioritisation and Performance Committee continued to oversee implementation of the Ministerial Statement and the Strategy as they relate to initiatives and projects in the board’s annual implementation plan. The committee reported regularly to the board to support the board’s strategic discussions and decisions.
The Victorian Learn Local Awards promote the Learn Local sector by recognising the outstanding achievements of learners, practitioners, trainers and Learn Local providers. They encourage and reward best practice, innovation and high standards. In their 17th year, the 2023 awards celebrated individual success stories, leadership, programs, innovation and collaboration in the Learn Local sector.
Presentations were made to the 2023 award winners at an in-person gala on Friday 24 November 2023. The gala was hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Brian Nankervis. Prize money totalling $84,000 was awarded to recipients in the following categories:
- The Ro Allen Award – Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for study and life) Award
Ayan Daher, Kensington Neighbourhood House - Victorian Learn Local Young Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for work) Award
Isabella O’Hara, Cire Services - Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Trainer Award
Laurie Niven, Pines Learning - Victorian Learn Local Leadership Award
Heather McTaggart, The Basin Community House - Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Program Award (for small providers)
Sew and Grow, Kensington Neighbourhood House - Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Program Award (for large providers)
Starting work as a cleaner – our collaboration with Spotless, Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services - Victorian Learn Local Innovation Award
Baptcare Language and Literacy Enrichment Program, Carringbush Adult Education - Victorian Learn Local Partnership Award
Just in Time Partnership Grant Project ‘Hungry 4 Success – Training’, Glen Park Community Centre Inc, Eastland Shopping Centre and the Glad Group.
- The Ro Allen Award – Learn Local Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for study and life) Award
The board was proud to again sponsor the Victorian Community Training Provider of the Year Award at the annual Victorian Training Awards. The award was open to all Learn Local providers, for an organisation demonstrating innovation and excellence in local community education.
The winner was judged on:
- design and implementation of quality training programs that are highly valued by the local community and responsive to learners’ aspirations
- understanding the local community and how to attract learners facing barriers to participation and attainment in vocational training
- partnerships and participation in broader service delivery within the local community.
The Victorian Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) was named the 2023 Community Training Provider of the Year. VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal health and wellbeing in Victoria.
Education is a critical factor in closing the gap for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria. In response to this issue, VACCHO sought to deliver high-quality, culturally safe health and social services to these community groups to improve educational programs and outcomes in health and wellbeing.
By providing wraparound services, advocacy and support throughout and beyond their training, VACCHO has expanded services to support students in achieving their goals. As a result, learner completion rates increased from 10% to 43% in just over 12 months.
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