EDUCATION doesn’t start and finish at the school gate on the Bass Coast.
Founded in 1988 the Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL) in Wonthaggi is celebrating 30 years of adult learning on the site of the former Dudley Primary School.
Partners at the site include Wonthaggi Woodcrafters, U3A and Southcoast FM.
According to BCAL Manager David Leslie Adult Learners Week is an opportunity to encourage everyone to explore new areas of interest and education, from first aid and food safety to photography, responsible service of alcohol and digital literacy.
“Adult Learners Week is part of a worldwide movement to celebrate lifelong learning.”
BCAL programs offered at Wonthaggi include Cert II Hairdressing, Cert III Information Technology, Cert III Horticulture and pre-accredited training in English as an additional language (EAL), literacy and numeracy, computer basics, practical music as a microbusiness, work readiness and volunteer training.
“Education beyond the school gate can dramatically change lives,” said Mr Leslie.
“Learning how to do different things at different times of your life is an opportunity to learn new things or re-learn things you may have left behind,” he said.
The theme for Adult Learners Week this year is ‘Celebrate Learning Together’ to emphasise the role of learning in improving adult mental health and creating social connections by bringing people together.
“You can make lifelong friends by pursuing an activity together or strengthen a friendship or family bond by motivating somebody to go with you,” Mr Leslie said.
“We’re really pleased to be partnering with TAFE Gippsland, Chisholm TAFE and the Country Universities Centre to build pathways for people.
“It’s not just what you do here, it’s what you do next.
“We’re the first step on the ladder of learning.”
Shae McGregor from TAFE Gippsland spoke about empowering disadvantaged learners.
Passionate about inclusive education McGregor discussed the barriers faced by learners related to culture, gender, age and socio-economic background.
BCAL is hoping to partner with TAFE Gippsland in 2026 to offer a Cert III in Hairdressing.
