A community education initiative in Melbourne’s south-east is helping people from diverse backgrounds gain the skills they need to work in Victoria’s growing care sector, with promising early results.
The Keysborough Learning Centre has restructured its training pathway to better support adult learners—particularly those who speak languages other than English—in finding employment in aged and disability care. The changes come as part of the Allan Labor Government’s broader backing of Learn Local organisations across the state.
More than 90 students have now taken part in the centre’s Supported Pathway to Employment program, which was launched in 2023. Of those who have completed or are nearing the end of the course, around 80 per cent have already found jobs in aged care roles.
The three-step program begins by helping learners build core foundational skills. This includes pre-vocational courses such as digital literacy and occupational English tailored to aged care settings. It then moves into nationally recognised vocational training, such as the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability), delivered in partnership with industry.
Learners also have access to a simulated care environment equipped with up-to-date tools and technology used in real workplaces, providing them with hands-on training before they enter the sector.
The final stage of the program is focused on job readiness. Funded by the City of Greater Dandenong, it includes mentoring, volunteering opportunities, and links to employers looking for staff. The aim is to give participants not only the qualifications but also the confidence and support needed to take up roles in care services.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney visited the centre this week and said Learn Locals were playing a vital role in connecting people to employment through targeted, practical education. “Learn Locals are providing real-world work experience, combined with the core foundations skills for learners to successfully transition to further training or a rewarding job,” she said.
Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak said the program was especially valuable for residents from migrant backgrounds. “This program is opening doors for people in our community who speak languages other than English—helping them build skills, confidence and careers in care, while meeting the growing demand for compassionate support workers.”
There are more than 200 Learn Local providers operating across Victoria, offering tailored courses in everything from literacy and numeracy to digital skills and job readiness. Each year, nearly 30,000 Victorians participate in Learn Local programs, often using them as a stepping stone into further education or employment.
To learn more about available programs, visit learnlocal.org.au.
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