Key Takeaways:
- The revamped Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program launches on 1 July 2024, backed by a $436.4 million investment over four years.
- The redesigned SEE Program focuses on helping Australians build language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills for work, further study and vocational training.
- Expanded eligibility means more Australians over 15 who have left school can access free foundation skills training, without needing to be registered job seekers.
- The updated program includes General SEE Delivery and SEE First Nations streams to support different learner groups and improve access.
- The changes may create opportunities for RTOs and VET providers that can deliver flexible LLND training, workplace-based learning and learner-centred support.
In a move to bolster a highly skilled and job-ready workforce, the Australian Government is gearing up to launch a revamped Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program on 1 July 2024. Backed by a $436.4 million investment over four years, the initiative aims to help Australians build the language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills needed for work, study and training.
The overhauled SEE Program is anticipated to impact the vocational education and training (VET) sector and registered training organisations (RTOs) nationwide. This blog explores what the revamped SEE Program means for the VET sector, how it may affect RTOs, and what opportunities it may create for providers supporting foundation skills development.
Understanding the SEE Program
The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is a long-standing Australian Government initiative designed to help Australians build the skills needed to secure and maintain employment. It provides free language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills training, including foundation skills support that can help participants move into work, further study or vocational training.
As part of the redesign, the Australian Government aimed to support around 27,000 Australians with language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LLND) skills training. The updated SEE Program makes foundation skills training more accessible and flexible by:
- Expanding eligibility to Australians over 15 who have left school, with participants no longer required to be registered job seekers
- Delivering support through General SEE Delivery and SEE First Nations streams to improve access for different learner groups
- Offering accredited and non-accredited training options suited to participant needs and goals
- Strengthening learner support through Participant Support Officers, workplace-based training, longer-term provider arrangements and Adult Literacy Brokers
Key Changes in the Revamped SEE Program
The revamped SEE Program introduces several key changes to better align with the current demands of the job market. Rather than focusing only on traditional training pathways, the redesigned program places greater emphasis on accessible foundation skills support, flexible delivery and practical training options that reflect the needs of different learners and communities.
Key changes in the revamped SEE Program include:
- Broader access to accredited and non-accredited language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LLND) training, giving participants more flexible pathways to build essential foundation skills
- More flexible delivery options, including workplace-based training and place-based projects that respond to local learner and workforce needs
- More targeted participant support to help improve learner engagement, retention and completion
- A stronger focus on practical foundation skills that can support employment, further study and vocational training pathways
This shift recognises the unique challenges faced by participants and aims to provide targeted support that can help enhance employability across different sectors.
Impact on the VET Sector
The revitalised SEE Program is poised to have a substantial impact on the VET sector, creating new opportunities for collaboration and more flexible training delivery. The redesigned program may create opportunities for contracted providers and eligible delivery partners, particularly those able to support learners through accessible LLND training, workplace-based projects and culturally safe support.
Key impacts on the VET sector may include:
- Greater demand for flexible language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy training that supports learners with different skill levels, goals and employment barriers
- More opportunities for contracted providers and eligible delivery partners to contribute to workplace-based training, place-based projects and targeted foundation skills support
- Stronger emphasis on adaptable training delivery that responds to participant needs, local workforce priorities and real-world employment challenges
- Increased focus on learner-centred approaches that help improve engagement, retention and training outcomes
- More collaboration between training providers, employers, communities and support services to help participants build practical skills for work, further study and vocational training
This shift towards more personalised and responsive training aligns with the broader move towards learner-centred education across the VET sector. By focusing on participant needs and practical skills development, the revamped SEE Program can help support more effective vocational education and training services across the country.
Impact on Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) continue to play an important role in Australia’s VET sector, particularly as demand grows for flexible training that helps learners build practical foundation skills. For eligible and contracted providers, the revamped SEE Program creates an opportunity to review delivery models, strengthen learner support and align training resources with the needs of diverse learner cohorts.
For RTOs, this may involve:
- Strengthening delivery of language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LLND) support to help learners build the foundation skills needed for work, further study and vocational training
- Reviewing delivery models to support accredited and non-accredited training, place-based projects, workplace-based training and participant support
- Using technology and teaching methods that support personalised learning experiences for learners with different needs, goals and skill levels
- Ensuring training resources are adaptable and suitable for flexible delivery across online, blended or in-person learning environments
- Engaging with employers and industry bodies to stay informed about emerging trends, workforce needs and practical skills requirements
By taking a more flexible and learner-focused approach, RTOs can better support SEE Program participants while staying aligned with the evolving needs of the job market. This focus on responsive training delivery can help improve learner engagement, support employability outcomes and strengthen the role of RTOs in foundation skills development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Skills for Education and Employment Program?
The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is an Australian Government initiative that provides free language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy training. It helps eligible Australians build foundation skills for work, further study, vocational training and community participation.
When does the revamped SEE Program start?
The revamped SEE Program is set to launch on 1 July 2024. The redesigned program is backed by a $436.4 million investment over four years and aims to support around 27,000 Australians with foundation skills training.
Who is eligible for the redesigned SEE Program?
Eligibility for the redesigned SEE Program has expanded to Australians over 15 years old who have left school. Participants no longer need to be registered job seekers, making the program more accessible to a wider range of learners.
What are the key changes in the revamped SEE Program?
The key changes include expanded access to accredited and non-accredited LLND training, two delivery streams called General SEE Delivery and SEE First Nations, workplace-based training, place-based projects, Participant Support Officers and Adult Literacy Brokers.
How does the SEE Program impact RTOs and VET providers?
The revamped SEE Program may create opportunities for eligible RTOs and VET providers that can deliver flexible LLND training, workplace-based projects and learner-centred support. Providers may need to review their delivery models, training resources and support strategies to meet diverse learner needs.
Conclusion
Australia’s revamped Skills for Education and Employment Program marks a significant step towards creating a more agile, skilled, and competitive workforce. The changes introduced not only address the immediate challenges faced by job seekers but also provide a platform for the VET sector and registered training organisations to thrive.
As the SEE Program unfolds on 1 July 2024, it brings with it a wave of opportunities for individuals seeking to enhance their employability, the VET sector poised for growth, and RTOs ready to contribute to shaping a brighter future for Australia’s workforce.
