Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith welcomes the news that Nepean Community College and Penrith Skills For Jobs have been selected among 34 community education and training providers throughout the State to benefit from almost $19 million in State Government investment for community training.
Stuart Ayres said the NSW Adult Community Education (ACE) Community Service Obligation (CSO) program helped thousands of regional and remote learners in NSW get access to formal education and training to help them increase their chances of finding employment.
“Some students need more support and the courses funded through the ACE CSO provide an important pathway for foundation skills, pre-vocational or bridging programs to more formal education and work-related training, with the program giving priority to people with a disability or at-risk groups,” Stuart Ayres said.
“These organisations are generally small but well connected with the community, providing quality training and support for disadvantaged people to support their transition into further training and jobs, and access to recognised training in regional and remote communities.
“Courses funded through the ACE CSO program can provide a pathway for foundation skills, pre-vocational or bridging programs to more formal education and work-related training.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, John Barilaro said funding in the 2017-18 financial year would be made available to 34 existing service providers throughout NSW.
“The Government’s Smart and Skilled vocational education and training (VET) is all about providing learners with choice and access to the best training options available,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The providers will share funding of almost $19 million to be allocated in two stages over the course of the next financial year.
“We need to ensure we are fully inclusive in our efforts to strengthen our skills base by providing VET options that connect communities with further training and jobs.”
