The Centre for Continuing Education’s Shepparton campus opened its doors to learners on May 2 for its first face-to-face education and skills programs.
The Centre provides adult community education programs for people who need significant support to develop reading, writing, numeracy and employability skills.
It also builds confidence and skills for entry-level employment or further education and training.
The Centre has already been working over the past 18 months by supporting people with learning difficulties in Shepparton through its Finding Strengths program.
The program helps people to enter further education and training at TAFE or Learn Local.
“Now that COVID-19 restrictions have ended, we are very happy to launch our work in Shepparton at the invitation of our partners in the region,” The Centre acting chief executive Kerry Strauch said.
“They expressed the need for our abilities to work with people and communities to develop the skills and connections they need to be successful.
“We hope to add our experience in learning and community development to the excellent work already going on in the Shepparton area.”
Ms Strauch said the Shepparton campus had capacity for about 30 students at any one time and would partner with other community organisations to run programs.
The Centre provides courses to engage and build skills and confidence through to certificate qualification courses in aged care, disability, health services and education support.
Its team supports and mentors disengaged and vulnerable community members, dealing with complex barriers and challenges, including learning difficulties, economic hardship, long-term unemployment, trauma and violence, problematic alcohol or drug dependence, and/or interaction with the justice system.
The Centre delivers programs throughout Victoria’s Hume region from Wodonga to Seymour, and from Shepparton to Mansfield.
The Shepparton campus is located at 9 Fraser St.