Hundreds of First Nations people are accessing free, tailored foundation skills training through the Albanese Government’s Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, supported by $38.5 million in community‑led funding.
Around 40 per cent of First Nations adults have minimal English literacy – this number can be as high as 70 per cent in remote communities.
Over the past year, $37.7 million have been invested in 11 SEE First Nations delivery grants, to provide tailored language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills in regional and remote Australia.
For example, a $5.5 million grant is supporting foundation skills training across eight Arnhem Land communities, co‑designed with Traditional Owners, ranger groups and community members in locations including:
- Bulman
- Weemol
- Barrapunta (Emu Springs)
- Yathalamarra
- Manmoyi
- Kabulwarnamyo
- Mamadawerre
- Marlkawo
The SEE First Nations program has also provided 30 scoping grants - totalling $805,000 - for recipients to consult with and assess training needs in local communities.
One recipient, Cape York Employment, is using a scoping grant to examine the unique language needs of Far North Queensland communities and support stronger pathways into education and jobs.
First established over two decades ago, the SEE program gives Australians the literacy and numeracy skills they need to increase their employability and open pathways to further education or work.
More information about the SEE program is available on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“The Albanese Government believes all Australians should have the opportunity to access our skills and training system. Closing the Gap in vocational education and training is a priority that is enshrined in our landmark National Skills Agreement.
“Access to education can transform lives, and by working in partnership with First Nations people we will achieve better training outcomes.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“These grants will ensure more First Nations people have access to community-led, community-designed and community-driven literacy, numeracy and digital skills training.
“Working in partnership with First Nations people is a priority reform under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and these community-led projects deliver on that.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“Organisations across remote communities are receiving funding through this latest round to deliver essential language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills in local communities.
“The Albanese Government recognises that organisations on the ground have the experience and understanding to best deliver programs that give locals the skills they need.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith:
“The fact that two Cape York organisations – Cape York Employment and Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation – are among the recipients from these grants is a great demonstration of the work that’s being done in our local communities.
“This funding is focused on improving education and employment pathways for locals, with an emphasis on ensuring they have the skills and confidence to be connected to community.”