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Adult and Community Education (ACE)

What is ACE?
How ACE contributes to access and equity in vocational education and training (VET)
WA ACE Strategy
ACE Advisory Committee
Adult and Community Education Grants
Adult Learners' Week
ACE Conference
ACE and GST
Read Write Now!
Publications
Links

What is ACE?

Adult and Community Education (ACE) in Western Australia is community-focused learning delivered through a diverse range of programs and activities. It encompasses learning activities that are non-accredited and non-formal in nature and which contribute to the development of a person’s skills and knowledge, and encourage social participation. It also encompasses a range of accredited formal courses for those looking for a pathway to re-enter or re-engage with education, training and employment.

ACE, through the provision of both accredited and non-accredited learning experiences, has a demonstrated ability to:

  • increase participation in community and work life through learning activities that foster personal development
  • build pathways for adults of all ages into further education, training and/or employment through language, literacy, numeracy and other access programs providing education, self-management and work readiness skills
  • provide people who are marginalised or disadvantaged with opportunities to learn and achieve, often with community organisations working together to deliver programs.

In Western Australia ACE is provided by a large number of community organisations, generally, but not exclusively, non-government, non-profit organisations under local community management. Some of the major ACE providers in WA include TAFEWA colleges, senior colleges (Tuart and Canning Colleges), libraries, universities, job centres, ethnic associations, seniors education associations (such as U3A and MALA) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, Community Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres and environmental groups. Adult and Community Education options for learners in rural and remote areas have been increased with the establishment of the community-focused and managed WA Telecentre Network.

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How ACE contributes to access and equity in vocational education and training (VET)

  • The unique characteristics of ACE and non-competitive learning environments encourage participation of individuals who may not otherwise engage in education or training. ACE courses provide positive and relevant learning experiences which assist participants to develop the skills, knowledge, motivation and confidence to access and achieve within vocational education and training.
  • As well as providing awareness of learning opportunities beyond ACE, these courses play an important role in developing literacy, numeracy and other study skills necessary for participation in VET. ACE courses can assist people with meeting entry to VET courses through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and accredited access and bridging programs which include accredited literacy and basic education programs; English language programs; and programs tailored for women, Aboriginal people and people with a disability.
  • As the focus of ACE programs is on the needs of the learner they can be developed and targeted to increase the participation of under represented groups in further training by recognising and addressing their educational, financial and demographic characteristics.

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Community learning in focus: a strategy for Adult and Community Education in Western Australia (2009-2018)

The Department of Training and Workforce Development, in conjunction with the Department's ACE Advisory Committee and the broader ACE community, has developed Community learning in focus: a strategy for Adult and Community Education in Western Australia (2009-2018). The new strategy, launched at the Adult Learners' Week awards night (29 August 2009), by the Minister for Training, sets the following goals:

    • ACE is an integral part of the broader Western Australian learning and training culture.
    • Learning outcomes delivered by ACE are valued, promoted and recognised.
    • The capacity of ACE providers is strong and meets the diverse needs of learners.

To view Community learning in focus: a strategy for Adult and Community Education in Western Australia (2009-2018) click here.

The State strategy relates closely to the national 2008 Ministerial Declaration on ACE. To view the national Ministerial Declaration click here.

For further information contact:
Toni Rogers or Tracey Coatsworth
Senior Project Officers
Ph: (08) 9238 2448
Email: toni.rogers@trainingwa.wa.gov.au or tracey.coatsworth@trainingwa.wa.gov.au.

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ACE Advisory Committee

As part of its commitment to the Adult Community Education (ACE) sector, the Western Australian Department of Education and Training convenes an ACE Advisory Committee. The terms of reference for the ACE Advisory Committee include the provision of advice on issues relating to ACE in Western Australia and to promote ACE within the government and community sectors.

The Advisory Committee is comprised of a Chairperson, Executive Officer and up to twelve appointed members. Tracey Coatsworth from the Department of Education and Training is the Executive Officer for the Committee.
Representatives from the following organisations are current members of the Committee:

For further information regarding the ACE Advisory Committee please contact:

Tracey Coatsworth
Senior Project Officer
Ph: (08) 9238 2448
Email: tracey.coatsworth@trainingwa.wa.gov.au

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ACE logo

Adult and Community Education Grants (now closed)

Adult and Community Education (ACE) in Western Australia is community-focused learning delivered through a diverse range of programs and activities. It encompasses learning activities that are non-accredited and non-formal in nature and which contribute to the development of a person’s skills and knowledge, and encourage social participation. It also encompasses a range of accredited formal courses for those looking for a pathway to re-enter or re-engage with education, training and employment.

This program of ACE Grants aims to expand the participation of under-represented groups in non-accredited and non-formal ACE activities.

It is envisaged that the grants will promote, encourage and support lifelong learning pathways into and out of ACE that facilitate personal, educational, training and employment transitions.

To be eligible for a one-off ACE grant of up to $12,000 applicant organisations must:

• be based in Western Australia; and
• be a registered business and/or an incorporated body or LGA or TAFEWA college.

Information is also available in alternative format on request.

MORE INFORMATION?
Tracey Coatsworth
Senior Project Officer
VET Access Branch
T (08) 9238 2448
E adultlearnersweek@trainingwa.wa.gov.au

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ALW masthead

Adult Learners' Week

Celebrated each year from 1 - 8 September, Adult Learners' Week (ALW) provides an opportunity to celebrate, promote and highlight the value of all forms of adult learning in the community.

In Western Australia, the Department of Education and Training is providing grants and awards to recognise and promote adult learning during this week.

AWARDS
A highlight of the week is the presentation of a range of State awards, recognising outstanding achievement in adult community education (community based, non-accredited education programs) as well as access and first step courses.

A presentation evening was held on 27 August 2009 and we congratulate this year's award recipients:

Outstanding Learner - Hussein Mushtaq Hamza, Adult Migrant Education Service, Swan TAFE
Outstanding Partnership - Manjimup Family Centre and Shire of Manjimup for Bands @ Manjimup
Outstanding Program - Accredited - Wider Opportunities for Work (WOW), Swan TAFE - Balga Campus
Outstanding Program - Non-accredited - Winner - "Healthy Me", Jobs South West Community Services
Outstanding Program - Non-accredited - Highly Commended - Language through Art, Swan TAFE
Outstanding Tutor - Volunteer - Janice Hunt, Read Write Now!
Outstanding Tutor - Paid - Adele Newton, Swan TAFE

To read more about the 2009 winners click here.

GRANTS (now closed for 2009)
These grants provide an opportunity for organisations that offer adult learning activities to present special promotional activities as "Adult Learners' Week" events. Such events may include courses, classes, exhibitions, tours, training or discussion groups. The event must be conducted during Adult Learners' Week, 1-8 September 2009.

Activities and events are planned to reach a broad audience. Metropolitan and regional activities encourage participation by all adult age groups, including Indigenous Australians, people from CaLD backgrounds, people with a disability and people who have disengaged from learning.

MORE INFORMATION?
Toni Rogers or Tracey Coatsworth
Senior Project Officers
VET Access Branch
T (08) 9238 2448
E adultlearnersweek@trainingwa.wa.gov.au


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ACE Conference Banner

Adult and Community Education - Making Connections Conference

The ACE - Making Connections Conference is a biennial event which provides professional development for community educators, trainers, providers, learners, administrators and others interested in the area of adult community education. This year's conference was held at Central TAFE's Leederville Campus, 23-24 October 2009.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Toni Rogers or Tracey Coatsworth
Senior Project Officers
VET Access Branch
t (08) 9238 2448
e adultcommunityeducation@trainingwa.wa.gov.au

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ACE and GST

Adult Community Education in Western Australia is defined as any learning that is non-accredited and occurs in a community setting. Such learning falls outside of the Australian Qualifications Training Framework (AQTF) and does not lead to a recognised accredited award. Whilst accredited training is automatically GST free, non-accredited training delivered under the ACE banner is not.

Key points in determining ACE courses as a GST free supply:
The following is taken from A New Tax System (GST) Act 1999 and should be read in conjunction with other related clauses, definitions and determinations.

  1. That the course is likely to add to the employment related skills of the majority of people undertaking the course.
  2. The course must be available to adults in the general community.
  3. That the provider is:
    • a higher education institution; or
    • recognised by the State as a provider of ACE courses (as determined by the Act); or
    • funded by the State to conduct ACE courses; or
    • a body corporate that operates on a not-for-profit basis, and has not been refused recognition, or disqualified, by a State or Territory authority as a provider of courses... on the basis of failing to meet or maintain the standards required by that authority.

As Western Australia doesn't have a State Government endorsed mechanism to recognise or register an ACE provider, ACE organisations are able to apply to the ATO for a private ruling of their courses. Each provider and each course will be judged on its own merit upon application to the ATO. These private rulings are free of charge and can be made via the website www.ato.gov.au under rulings.

For further information on the standards required for GST free education or applying for a ruling contact the ATO on 13 28 66.

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Read Write Now!

Poor literacy is an issue that is likely to affect a significant proportion of the adult population in Western Australia.

In recognition that many individuals may require or prefer individual assistance to develop their literacy and numeracy skills, the Western Australian Department of Education and Training provides funding for the Read Write Now! program which delivers informal, non-accredited tuition usually on a one-to-one basis.

The tuition is delivered by trained volunteers to individuals as a community service, and while there may be some employment-related outcomes, the service is one which is primarily servicing the broader educational and social needs of individuals.

An important principle of the Read Write Now! Program is that the student is the person who requests assistance from the service, and participates voluntarily. The Read Write Now! program delivers outcomes that are determined by each student's learning goals and motivation for joining the Program.

Swan TAFE manages the Read Write Now program on behalf of the Department. To find out more about the Read Write Now! program click here.

Publications

Partnerships...... the Way to go

2008 Ministerial Declaration on ACE

Planning Pathways for Women from ACE to VET (1997)

Community Learning in Focus: A Strategy for Adult and Community Education in Western Australia (2009–2018)

Men’s learning and wellbeing through community organisations in Western Australia (2009)

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Links

Adult Learning Australia (WA)
Phone (08) 9228 9000
Fax (08) 9228 9015
Website: www.ala.asn.au

Canning College
Phone: (08) 9458 9644
Fax: (08) 9451 5143
Website: www.canningcollege.wa.edu.au

Career Development Centre
Phone: (08) 9224 6500 Toll-free 1800 999 167
Fax: (08) 9421 1344
Website: http://www.det.wa.edu.au/training/cdc/

Council on the Ageing (WA) Inc.
Phone: (08) 9321 2133
Fax: (08) 9321 2707
Website: www.cotawa.asn.au

EdNA Online Phone: (08) 8334 3210
Fax: (08) 8334 4211
Website: www.edna.edu.au/edna/page1.html

National Institute for Adult Continuing Education - England and Wales (NAICE)
Website: www.niace.org.uk/organisation/

Employment Directions Network
Phone: 13 64 64
Website: www.employmentdirections.net.au

Learning Centre Link
Phone (08) 9228 9000
Fax (08) 9228 9015
Website: www.learningcentrelink.asn.au

Mature Adults Learning Association (MALA) Inc.
Constitution Centre, Parliament Place, West Perth
Phone: (08) 9375 9286, 9387 8005, 9444 4902
Website: www.perthmala.org.au

TAFEWA Colleges
Website: www.tafe.wa.gov.au

TAFEWA ACE course information:
West Coast TAFE
Swan TAFE
Challenger TAFE

Telecentre Network
Phone (08) 9327 5579
Fax (08) 9486 4067
Website: www.telecentres.wa.gov.au

Tuart College
Phone: (08) 9444 9377
Fax: (08) 9444 8538
Website: www.tuartcollege.wa.edu.au

University of the Third Age (UWA) Inc
Phone: (08) 6488 1857
Fax: (08) 6488 1127
Website: www.u3auwa.org

University of Western Australia Extension
Phone (08) 9380 2433
Fax (08) 9380 1066
Website: www.extension.uwa.edu.au

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