Workforce Plus works to save Bass Coast adult education services

WORKFORCE Plus Inc (WFP) has moved swiftly to protect adult education and local jobs in the Bass Coast stepping in as the preferred provider to take over training programs previously delivered by Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL).

A transition is already in place to secure the future of the vital community services that have operated in the Bass region for more than 30 years. The collapse of BCAL left students stranded mid-qualification and staff facing sudden job losses.

Based in Warragul Workforce Plus CEO Josh Baker, confirmed the charity was working directly with every affected BCAL student to ensure a smooth transition.

"Our plan is to resume services on-site, starting with First Aid on August 27," Mr Baker said. "We’re working on finding opportunities for other courses. Once funding is guaranteed, we can start courses within seven days."

While WFP is not currently accredited to deliver Certificate III in Hairdressing and Hair and Beauty, they are collaborating with local TAFE Institutes and other accredited training organisations to support displaced students.

Mr Baker noted that the situation underscored a broader, systemic challenge facing regional communities when small, community-based education providers run into financial hardship, often due to rigid funding structures and rising operational costs.

WFP Managing Director Kath Moodie, a Korumburra local who drives the charity's NDIS compliance and quality standards, highlighted the scale of their capability. "We currently have 2,000 participants engaged in learning," Ms Moodie said.

Founded in 1986 by Bernadette O'Connor WFP has long-standing ties to Gippsland. Today its head office is in Warragul with outreach services to Cowes and Wonthaggi, alongside the Mornington Peninsula, N.T. and South Australia.

Ms Moodie said the provider already delivers National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support from its Wonthaggi office and aims to offer learning opportunities to the wider community, including primary schools, vulnerable learners, people with disabilities, migrants, youth, and aged workers, including workplace delivery models.

By leveraging its existing regional scale and experience, Workforce Plus hopes to quickly stabilise the local education landscape, ensuring vital Learn Local and accredited training services remain accessible to the Bass Coast community.

Under the new arrangement Workforce Plus will assume responsibility for all Learn Local and fee-for-service students. To ensure training resources remain in the region, Bass Coast Shire Council has taken ownership of BCAL’s physical operating assets including specialised equipment for hospitality, hairdressing, beauty, and horticulture.

Mr Baker emphasised his immediate focus was on maintaining continuity for affected students while collaborating with government and community stakeholders to rebuild a sustainable adult education model. Mr Baker has deep links with the region, having previously worked across Wonthaggi and Leongatha as well as Warragul.

The transition brings immediate economic relief, with Workforce Plus looking to instantly hire six staff members from the Wonthaggi and Inverloch areas.

Workforce Plus boasts an annual turnover of $6 million and employs 60 staff across eleven national locations. Mr Baker expressed sadness over BCAL's closure while praising the enduring dedication of its staff.