Being one of the world’s major ‘immigration nations’, nearly 30% of Australia’s population was born overseas. However, settling in Australia can be challenging, particularly for recent migrants. The Victorian Government’s Learn Local initiative aims to remove barriers and provide people of all backgrounds with practical learning opportunities that can enhance their work and personal lives.
Learn Local’s low cost courses are available at over 200 community centres across metro and regional Victoria. Adult learners can enrol in a broad range of subjects including job-finding skills, digital literacy and computer skills, English language, and financial literacy skills.
The initiative equips participants with greater confidence, increased social connection and provides a critical step in their personal and professional journeys.
As a new migrant to Australia from China, Jack Zhou undertook an English language course at Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre. He learned critical skills for his everyday life and was able to find a sense of community by connecting with others with similar experiences.
“The course really helped me improve my English language skills and my knowledge of Australian culture. It really helped me a lot for my future life and even career journey. If you’re new to [the country] I think it’s very good for you to join your local community centre, because one thing you can do is meet some new friends.”
For migrants like Mahasin El Sharieff, who immigrated to Australia from Sudan, finding employment was a priority when settling in Australia. Demand for workers in Victoria remains strong, with more than 300,000 new workers expected by 2026, yet many migrants face obstacles when attempting to join the workforce.
Mahasin enrolled in English classes and a one-on-one English program at Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre (FSNLC) to help her find work. The volunteer she was paired with played a crucial role in helping her secure a job in the services industry, and also supported her throughout the training process.
Currently, Mahasin is balancing work with her studies at FSNLC, where she is enrolled in a Workplace English and Digital Skills program to gain digital skills for her job. On her improvement in computer skills, Mahasin says, “Before I wasn’t good at computers, but now I’ve improved.”
Reflecting on her learning journey, Mahasin expresses a sense of independence: “ I feel confident to go [to] any place and ask a question. I do everything for myself.”
Similarly, 77 year oldVui Nguyen finds learning gives her the confidence to be independent. Originally from Vietnam, Vui enrolled in classes at Yarraville Community Centre at the recommendation of her friends.
“I decided to learn English for my children’s sake. But now I sometimes go to the city and can ask for directions from people. It makes me happy I can speak to my neighbours.”
Apprehensive at first, Vui is currently studying Computer Skills, which is her third Learn Local course. She now encourages others to enrol: “If you’re older like me, you shouldn’t be afraid to try it. It’s at a community centre, which is not far away and it’s beginner friendly.”
To find out more about Learn Local, visit vic.gov.au/learnlocal.