In December 2024, Skills Ministers released the new National Foundation Skills Strategy 2025-2035 which is designed to “enhance the lives of people who struggle every day to read and write, do maths or use computers.”
The intention is that through this Strategy, Australia will “ensure people understand the benefits of improved literacy and numeracy, we want to connect with those who need training but not receiving it, and we want to empower people to seek support where they may have previously experienced embarrassment.”
These are powerful words, not often seen in government documents and frameworks.
Sadly, while all governments have a range of policies and programs to build literacy, numeracy and digital skills in Australia today around 3 million adults (approximately one in five working age people) having low literacy and/or numeracy skills. So, there is much to be done.
What issues does the Strategy identify which are inhibiting people from developing foundation skills?
- Access to support and training – “people may not know where to go to ask for help. A suitable course may not be available locally, and online study is not always an option or an effective way for some people to learn.”
- Tailored support – A one-size fits all approach is not suitable for all learners.
- First Nations learners – “need to have access to culturally appropriate courses and support programs” and this is particularly the case in rural and remote communities and locations.
- Workforce – the sector is experiencing a shortage of qualified and experienced foundational skills trainers.
- Limited data availability – we need “a more robust evidence base to inform policy development and direct funding where it will have the most impact”.
- Foundation skills sector architecture – bringing together the following elements of the foundational skills sector to make it operate effectively: delivery of foundation skills in VET qualifications, long-term governance arrangements, contemporary teaching and assessment frameworks, and engagement with stakeholders and First Nations partners.
The aim of the Strategy is that
“By 2035, all adult learners in Australia are supported to access quality foundation skills training to develop the foundation skills they need to participate confidently and fully in work, education and training, and the broader community.”
To achieve this aim, an action plan will be released in mid-2025 and an additional $53 million in funding will be made available for new initiatives in the first five years of the action plan.