Learn Local organisations in Dandenong are being encouraged to apply to share in $2 million in Andrews Labor Government funding. The Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board has launched its latest Capacity and Innovation Funding Round with applications closing on December 15. Gabrielle Williams MP said funding is available for projects that build organisational capacity, drive innovation and contribute towards improvements in learner engagement, participation and attainment. Projects can last for up to 18 months. Each year, Victoria’s more than 300 Learn Local organisations help in excess of 50,000 Victorians develop new skills, pursue their goals of getting work or going on to further education. Gabrielle Williams MP said without Learn Local organisations some Dandenong locals would struggle to get the skills they need to more into work or onto further study. The Labor Government is transforming Victoria into the Education State through a range of initiatives including:

• Funding for pre-accredited training through the ACFE Board will increase by nearly $2 million in 2016;
• The independent VET Funding Review, which is developing a more sustainable and stable funding model to better meet the skills needs of Victorians for the long-term and
• The opening of Skills and Jobs Centres which are one-stop-shops for students looking to start training, workers needing to reskill and unemployed workers needing support for retraining.

Successful applicants will be notified in April 2016, to find your nearest Learn Local, go to learnlocal.org.au