More than 2 million Australians under the age of 24 live outside our major urban centres in the vibrant communities of regional Australia. While our regions boast some incredible opportunities, the tyranny of distance can impact access to educational and employment prospects.
In some areas, the educational gap appears to be widening, leading to disparities in outcomes and opportunities that can potentially last a lifetime. For example, the average 15-year-old in remote areas is around 1.5 years behind metropolitan counterparts in science and performs significantly below the international average in mathematics. Perhaps even more concerningly, 56% of year nine students in these areas did not meet expectations for reading in the 2023 NAPLAN test.
Literacy is critical
While academic achievement isn’t the only measure of success, literacy is critical. It impacts every area of a person’s life, from education and employment to social interactions, navigating government systems, accessing vital services, and even health. The Literacy for Life Foundation of Australia reports that low literacy is linked to poor health, substance abuse and high mortality.
Being locked out of employment opportunities feeds into a vicious cycle that can encompass a lack of independence and community participation, housing instability, mental and physical health issues, social isolation and so much more.
Literacy is the springboard. It’s essential we address the gap.
Long-term solutions will have to come through the schooling system, and work is being done to achieve this, such as the NSW Government’s Rural and Remote Education Strategy. But it will take time.
Right now, we need inclusive solutions for individuals, a solution for those people who have fallen through these education gaps and reached adulthood without these vital skills.
I’m proud that VERTO is a provider of the Australian Government’s Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program because it can be life-changing for individuals and communities.
VERTO began delivering the program in July across the Hunter and Riverina areas. Through the program, participants build literacy, numeracy, and English language and digital skills – core competencies that are essential not only for personal and professional success but also for active and engaged social participation.
The program also recognises participants' different contexts and circumstances, offering critical flexibility. Participants can start learning at their own level and pace and choose to study full- or part-time to accommodate the demands of their lives. This makes all-important space for job seeking, employment, family responsibilities and health management.
It’s also available in the classroom or online, recognising that not everyone can make it to a face-to-face location and, conversely, not everyone has access to or the skills to navigate technology.
It’s also free for eligible participants, encompassing a broad group of citizens and visa holders.
Life-changing outcomes
The outcomes of the SEE Program are transformative. For job seekers, it builds crucial skills, enhances employability and provides a pathway to further education or training. For those already employed, it acts as a tool for job stability, career advancement and, ultimately, financial independence.
For communities, it builds a job-ready workforce that can stay in and actively contribute to the local economy. This is critical as the slow decline of many of Australia’s regional communities marches on.
Looking forward
Creating successful futures for the youth in our regions is not just an investment in their individual futures but in the thriving future of regional Australia as a whole. Programs like SEE are essential in addressing persistent gaps and helping every young person achieve their potential, irrespective of geography.
As a regionally based organisation, VERTO is committed to advocating for the needs of our local communities. To learn more about the SEE program and how it can benefit you or someone you know, please contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit https://www.verto.org.au/skills-for-education-and-employment.
