Published Sunday, 31 August, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Outstanding achievers in adult education awarded
Queensland’s high-achieving mature-aged learners, top teacher and best adult education programs were recognised in an awards ceremony marking Adult Learners’ Week in Brisbane today (Sunday 31 August).
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the awards aimed to encourage more adults to continue their education and to help battle the nation’s skills shortages.
“Learning shouldn’t – and doesn’t – stop when we leave school, TAFE or university,” Mr Welford said.
“Learning in later life can open doors for adults who may have missed the chance in their younger years.
“I congratulate the awards recipients for having the courage to step back on the path of lifelong learning – either to broaden their horizons or prepare for a job or career change. They are an example to others that it’s never too late to learn.”
Mr Welford thanked those who make the state’s adult learning programs worthwhile – the teachers, tutors and volunteers.
“Many give their time freely to help others improve their lives and we recognise that contribution today,” he said.
Mr Welford said adult learning was an important tool for a nation battling skills shortages.
“I am committed to developing Queensland’s first policy and action plan for the adult and community education sector,” he said.
“This policy and action plan will take into account the views of adult and community education stakeholders on the sector’s successes, challenges and aspirations. The policy will also outline the role of community education in delivering skills for sustainable employment.
“Only by increasing workforce participation and building the skills of existing workers will Queensland keep pace with jobs growth.
“Research shows some 70 per cent of over-45-year-olds intend to work beyond retirement age but nearly half say their continued participation depends on upgrading their skills.
"To help close the gap, on Friday I released the Queensland Skills Plan 2008 to continue training reform by building the capacity and skills of the workforce.”
Adult Learners’ Week is an initiative of Adult Learning Australia in partnership with the Queensland and Federal Governments. For more information visit www.adultlearnersweek.org
The winners were:
• Outstanding Adult Learner - Erika Fitzek from Wide Bay Institute of TAFE, Maryborough – award winner; Jeremy Wilson from Zinifex Century Mine – highly commended; Daphne Langdon from Zinifex Century Mine – highly commended
• Outstanding Adult Education Teacher or Tutor – Charlie Cameron from Zinifex Century Mine – award winner
• Outstanding Community Learning Program for Adults - Seniors Peer Education Program, Council on the Ageing – award winner; Zinifex Century Mine Pre-Vocation Mine Program – highly commended; Business II Certificate for Workplace Re-entry Adults, Learning Network Queensland – highly commended
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the awards aimed to encourage more adults to continue their education and to help battle the nation’s skills shortages.
“Learning shouldn’t – and doesn’t – stop when we leave school, TAFE or university,” Mr Welford said.
“Learning in later life can open doors for adults who may have missed the chance in their younger years.
“I congratulate the awards recipients for having the courage to step back on the path of lifelong learning – either to broaden their horizons or prepare for a job or career change. They are an example to others that it’s never too late to learn.”
Mr Welford thanked those who make the state’s adult learning programs worthwhile – the teachers, tutors and volunteers.
“Many give their time freely to help others improve their lives and we recognise that contribution today,” he said.
Mr Welford said adult learning was an important tool for a nation battling skills shortages.
“I am committed to developing Queensland’s first policy and action plan for the adult and community education sector,” he said.
“This policy and action plan will take into account the views of adult and community education stakeholders on the sector’s successes, challenges and aspirations. The policy will also outline the role of community education in delivering skills for sustainable employment.
“Only by increasing workforce participation and building the skills of existing workers will Queensland keep pace with jobs growth.
“Research shows some 70 per cent of over-45-year-olds intend to work beyond retirement age but nearly half say their continued participation depends on upgrading their skills.
"To help close the gap, on Friday I released the Queensland Skills Plan 2008 to continue training reform by building the capacity and skills of the workforce.”
Adult Learners’ Week is an initiative of Adult Learning Australia in partnership with the Queensland and Federal Governments. For more information visit www.adultlearnersweek.org
The winners were:
• Outstanding Adult Learner - Erika Fitzek from Wide Bay Institute of TAFE, Maryborough – award winner; Jeremy Wilson from Zinifex Century Mine – highly commended; Daphne Langdon from Zinifex Century Mine – highly commended
• Outstanding Adult Education Teacher or Tutor – Charlie Cameron from Zinifex Century Mine – award winner
• Outstanding Community Learning Program for Adults - Seniors Peer Education Program, Council on the Ageing – award winner; Zinifex Century Mine Pre-Vocation Mine Program – highly commended; Business II Certificate for Workplace Re-entry Adults, Learning Network Queensland – highly commended
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000