Better digitals skills training for Indigenous Australians crucial, according to the government

First Nations Australians are to experience skills training in foundations literacy, digital literacy and numeracy better suited to their needs. Based on the results from a recent study, the Minister of Skills and Training announced that the government intends to enrol up to 2000 First Nations People per year by 2026-2027 into the newly redesigned Government Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) foundation skills programme. The government has thus far committed $436 million to the project.

According to the study, about 1 in 5 respondents lack the basic literacy, numeracy and digital skills needed for gainful employment and fully functioning within society, and 40% of the adult population do not possess the requisite foundational English literacy skills. This figure rise to as high as 70% in remote areas.

The first iteration of the SEE programme, which focuses on persons in or out of the labour force or formal training programmes across Australia, is already underway. The second iteration will, however, be tailored to the needs of the indigenous community. The government intends to conduct ongoing consultations countrywide as the redesign efforts occur. It will also form partnerships with key training institutions within the community, such as the Charles Darwin Institution.

In the interim, the Ministry has endorsed an extension of the Foundation Skills for Your Future: Remote Community Pilots program until 30 June 2024.