Following on from the Jobs and Skills Summit, and on the final day of Adult Learners Week, TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) and Adult Learning Australia (ALA) issue a joint statement of common interest.<\/strong><\/p>\n The federal government\u2019s $1.1 billion funding pledge for fee-free TAFE places across Australia is critical to addressing national skill shortages.<\/p>\n A systematic approach and strong partnerships between TAFE and Adult Community Education (ACE) providers has reduced barriers to education and training and promoted a culture of lifelong learning.<\/p>\n The ACE sector is recognised for its ability to engage jobseekers in foundation and employability skills programs as a \u2018soft point of entry\u2019 to vocational education and training, often addressing a broad range of barriers.<\/p>\n The sector can help to provide a safety net for people not yet ready to learn or work, and offer pathways and local partnerships that benefit all parties, including adult learners.<\/p>\n \u201cTDA acknowledges the important work of ALA and their members in enabling adult learners to gain foundation skills that prepare them for study at TAFE. Strong foundation skills are critical to assist learners in their TAFE courses,\u201d said Jenny Dodd, TDA CEO.<\/p>\n \u201cAn effective working relationship between ALA and TDA that recognises their specific and complementary roles is vital for equitable access to education and training for all Australians,\u201d said Jenny Macaffer, ALA CEO.<\/p>\n