The Centre is thrilled to be announced as the Community Training Provider of The Year at the 2020 Victorian Training Awards. Now in its 66th year and supported by the Department of Education, the Victorian Training, the Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in the Victorian TAFE and training sector.

The inspirational efforts of Victoria’s adult community education learners, practitioners, volunteers and providers have been recognised in this year’s Learn Local Awards.

Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney announced the 20 Victorian finalists in the awards, which honour the Learn Local sector and highlight the success of learners and the training providers who support them.

The Centre was announced as a finalist in two categories. The Victorian Learn Local Pre-accredited Pathway Program Award for ‘Getting There’ and the Victorian Learn Local Collaboration Award for the Pathways 2 Possibilities program delivered in partnership with Open Door Neighbourhood House.

This year’s Learn Local Awards will be hosted in an innovative virtual format later this year with the awards to be presented by the Adult, Community and Further Education Board.

Learn Local providers offer a unique, community-based learning option, with a focus on the individual needs of learners. Learn Local is particularly suited to adult learners of all ages looking to develop their digital, literacy, numeracy and employability skills for study, work and life.

There are 270 not-for-profit community organisations registered as Learn Locals across Victoria, which deliver training and programs to nearly 30,000 people each year.

“Although 2020 has been a challenging year for many Learn Local providers across the state, these awards recognise the work Learn Locals are doing transforming lives through community education.” says Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney.

“Victoria leads Australia in providing accessible and tailored lifelong learning opportunities for adult learners seeking to develop the skills they need for work, further study, and to participate fully in the Victorian community.”

On 25 August 2020, Gayle Tierney, Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education, announced the finalists for the 2020 Victorian Training Awards.

The Centre for Continuing Education Inc. was named as a finalist for the Community Training Provider of the Year category alongside training providers CireServices Inc. and Williamstown Community and Education Centre Inc.

Now in their 66th year, the prestigious Victorian Training Awards foster connections and collaboration, bringing together students, teachers, training providers, employers and industry representatives, sharing in a high-quality training system that meets the needs of all Victorians.

The awards recognise and honour the achievements of individuals and organisations in the Victorian TAFE and training sector, across 13 award categories.

Although 2020 has been a challenging year for many, these Awards continue to highlight the strength of Victoria’s vocational education and training sector, with the awards ceremony set to be held virtually later this year.

The Volunteer Centre has launched a brand-new website this week, ready to service the needs of the Hume community, by matching volunteers with roles within not-for-profit organisations.

First established as Volunteer Skillsbank, this matching service has been in operation for over 10 years and is widely used by many not for profit organisations and volunteers within our region.

Recently rebranded as ‘The Volunteer Centre’, the program aims to connect with a wider range of organisations to support volunteers seeking new opportunities.

The free service advertises the roles across a variety of channels, and sources a volunteer who fits the needs of each individual role.

Andrea Matheson, Program leader of Community Programs is excited for the community needs to be met from this new website.

“We are excited to have launched this brand-new website, which we feel will better service the volunteering needs of our wider community.”

“New volunteering opportunities are constantly being added to our opportunities page, and we welcome any new volunteers and volunteer involving organisations to get in touch to discuss their individual needs.”

Volunteer roles cover a variety of interests and skillsets. Some of these opportunities have included: gardening, animal welfare, administration, mentoring and tutoring, crisis response, board of governance, and one-off events like the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.

The opportunities are varied in length of commitment, location and category providing an opportunity suitable for everyone including those with a disability, those receiving Job Keeper support, and our cultural and linguistically diverse, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Felicity Williams, CEO of The Centre for Continuing Education highlights the impact this program has on the wider community.

“While we are coping with the challenges associated with COVID, we have a unique opportunity to take stock of our lives and develop new understanding around what is truly important. Never has it been more important to value our connections with the people in our lives.”

“Volunteering is a wonderful way of finding new connections, friendships and relationships within our communities. The Volunteer Centre can help you to make that happen. Our team will provide you with support and care to help you find the right volunteering job or group for you. They take into account your interests and preferences when suggesting volunteering opportunities to you.”

“For those who are a bit intimidated and nervous about joining a new group, the friendly staff at the Volunteer Centre will make introductions for you and make sure that you feel welcomed and valued.”

In coming months, professional development opportunities will be added to the website, with training suitable for upskilling volunteers and Volunteer Managers.

To find out more, or to express your interest in a volunteering opportunity please visit: volunteercentre.com.au

I am writing with an important update about the COVID-19 Coronavirus situation, at what I know is a challenging time for all of us.

While some classes had started returning to face-to-face groups, looking ahead The Centre will follow advice from the government regarding the most effective way to deliver important education and training services for our learners.

The government at this time has advised that that face-to-face classes are now to be conducted our virtual or online classroom environment wherever possible. We will monitor this official advice closely, and will advise you if any changes need to be made.

The Centre will continue to work with our learners to minimise disruption to education and training, and we will do everything possible to assist you in completing any classes or assessments that may have been delayed. The Centre is fully committed to supporting you to continue your education and training program through our virtual classroom.

If you can foresee any issues with you continuing your studies via an online or virtual classroom, please contact our reception by calling (03) 5721 0200 or 1300 843 236 or contact your enrolment officer.

If you do need to come on site for any reason, please note that all individuals entering our campuses will be required to wear a mask. Those who aren’t wearing a mask, or experiencing any of the listed symptoms of COVID-19 will be denied entry.

I acknowledge how challenging these times are, and the impact on our learners and our local communities, and want to reassure you of The Centre’s unwavering support now, and into the future. Our priority is the safety of you and of our staff.

The Centre is doing all that we can to ensure that your education program can continue during this challenging time. I encourage you to support each other and contact us if you require assistance or information.

Take care and stay well.

With kind regards,

Felicity Williams
CEO

Taking a whole-of-person view of student learning and development, The Centre provides education and training programs for people from age 16 through to 65 that helps learners build core work skills. These are the transferable skills that make people employable for not just one job, but numerous jobs. Employers need workers who can, for example, work within a team, think creatively and find solutions, communicate well, and be able to work in a digital world.

The Centre also has strong partnerships with industry, ensuring that learners are able to access work placement, graduate with current skills and are truly ready for day one in the workplace.

The partnership developed between Cooinda Village aged care and The Centre has proven to be a winning combination. Learners complete their aged care qualification (CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support – Ageing, Home & Community) on site in Benalla. The classes run on site two days a week, with learners receiving theory training on the Thursday, and are putting their news skills to practice in the industry the very next day at the aged care home. Learners graduating from its Cooinda program secure employment between 90 and 100% of the time, often before they have fully completed their course.