In April 2012 the delivery of Foundation-level ICT skills pilot project will take place across urban and rural Victoria under the guidance of the Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board.  Through this pilot Learn Local organisations will have access to the digital literacy modules called ICDL Start with in International Computer Driving License (ICDL) program which is recognised as the world’s leading end user IT certification. The ICDL program has more than 12 million candidates registered worldwide. The digital literacy modules focuses on the key skills that adults need to have to be part of a digitally connected and inclusive society.

Ms Sian Lewis, General Manager ACFE said that this pilot program will help bring essential computer skills to 1,000 learners. “Computer skills are important for learners – not just for studying but also for finding and securing employment. For many learners this program will not just improve their skills but increase their work opportunities” Ms Lewis said.

ICDL Australia director Mr Theo Teeder also commented, “The parent body of ICDL Australia, the ECDL Foundation, is committed to the delivery of digital literacy across all communities and all adults regardless of background. To be able to do this in Victoria is a very positive and important step in allowing adults here to gain access to a globally recognised standard as well as best-in-class learning and assessment tools”.

About ACFE

The Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board is a statutory authority under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. Its role is to plan and promote adult learning, allocate resources, develop policies, and advise the Minister for Higher Education and Skills on matters related to adult education in Victoria.

Through the Board, the Victorian Government provides funding to community-based organisations, known as Learn Local organisations, and two adult education institutions, the CAE and AMES, for delivery of education and training programs to a broad range of Victorians over compulsory school-leaving age – young people, older people, people with special needs, people from diverse cultural backgrounds – with a special focus on people who have had limited prior access to education.

Programs are designed to be flexible to meet learners’ needs and support them to return to study, improve their literacy and numeracy skills, gain a qualification, broaden their employment options and learn new skills. As part of the wider Vocational Education and Training sector, Learn Local organisations deliver programs in a range of industry sectors and across the spectrum of qualification levels.

For more information about Learn Local and Adult, Community and Further Education please visit www.acfe.vic.gov.au