IN A remarkable achievement, Bass Coast Adult Learning, in conjunction with Coldon Homes and Capeview Building Products, has been awarded the 2024 Learn Local Innovation award for its new collaborative approach to workplace communication and leadership training.
Whilst down the road in Foster, Manna Gum Community House won the Victorian Learn Local Pre-Accredited Program award, one of two finalists across the state in the category.
The accolades were presented at the annual Learn Local Awards event on Friday, October 25 at the Melbourne Convention Centre.
For Bass Coast Adult Learning it recognises the Centre’s successful partnership with Coldon Homes and Capeview Building Products, a prominent local construction and manufacturing company.
The award-winning training program, developed over the past year, combined cutting-edge teaching methods with practical applications in a real-world setting. Designed to enhance communication skills among employees, the program utilised an engaging blend of workshops, peer-coaching, and interactive activities tailored specifically for the construction industry.
“Communication is essential in every workplace, especially in construction, where teamwork and clarity can significantly impact project outcomes,” said Olivia Hurrell, Partnerships Coordinator at Bass Coast Adult Learning Centre, and co-designer of the course.
“Our goal was to equip team members with the skills they need to collaborate and lead effectively and confidently.”
The partnership with Coldon Homes and Capeview Building Products was instrumental in the program's success. Employees participated in hands-on training which incorporated challenges and scenarios they face daily. The innovative peer-coaching method allowed participants to learn from one another, fostering a supportive learning environment that proved highly effective.
The award reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of effective communication in enhancing workplace productivity and employee satisfaction. As industries face ongoing challenges, such as labour shortages and increased project complexities, initiatives like this are becoming essential.
The staff at Coldon Homes and Capeview Building Products found great value in Bass Coast Adult Learning Centre’s communication and leadership training program with both businesses taking pride in investing in their staff and providing training and upskilling opportunities.
Moving forward, Bass Coast Adult Learning plans to expand its offerings, incorporating feedback from participants and exploring additional topics such as mentoring and manufacturing training. With a commitment to fostering lifelong learning, the Centre aims to continue supporting the local workforce in adapting to the evolving demands of their industries.
Manna Gums win
On Friday Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh congratulated community house Manager Rebecca Matthews, along with all the staff and volunteers, for winning the Victorian Learn Local Pre-Accredited Program Award, in the small providers category.
“This is an incredible outcome for a community house which provides so much value to locals looking to upskill,” Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said.
“Well done to Rebecca and the team for getting nominated and going on to win this Victorian Learn Local Pre-Accredited Program Award."
This year's Learn Local Awards winners were chosen from an impressive list of nominations – highlighting the important role Learn Local providers play in helping adult learners get new skills, pursue further education pathways, and secure jobs.
“We are thrilled to have won this award and be amongst all of the inspiring finalists in the Victorian adult education sector. We are very grateful to the Adult Community Further Education Board for this recognition,” Manna Gum Community House Manager Rebecca Matthews said.
“The program covers a whole range of topics associated with being a sole trader in the care and support sector in an easy-to-understand delivery method that includes a lot of industry representation and contact points. Participants tell us they greatly appreciate local access to education and career pathways training.”
Across Victoria, more than 200 Learn Local providers offer people tailored support in courses ranging from numeracy and literacy to digital skills and employability – helping over 30,000 Victorians each year overcome barriers to getting into training and finding jobs.
To find out more about this year’s winners, visit: vic.gov.au/2024-learn-local-award-winners.
For more information about Bass Coast Adult Learning and their training programs, visit bcal.vic.edu.au or contact 5672 3115.
For more information about Manna Gum Community House call 5682 1101 or visit mannagumcommunityhouse.org.au.
To learn more about Coldon Homes visit coldonhomes.com.au
To learn more about Capeview Building Products visit capeviewbuildingproducts.com.au
