In 2017, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that one in ten working age Australians wanted to participate in “non-formal learning,” such as short courses that develop practical skills. There were four major factors holding them back:
- They did not have the time
- They did not have the money
- They had personal reasons (including poor physical or mental health, lack of childcare, and previous negative experiences for learning)
- They could not access the course they wanted
If you are facing one (or several) of these barriers to learning, you may benefit from the STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program. It’s free, government-funded training for adults who want to develop their literacy, English language, numeracy, and/or digital skills for life, work or further study.
You may be looking to improve your skills for everyday tasks or interested in pursuing a new career; no matter what your goals are, STEPS is here to support you.
But first thing’s first – how can the STEPS SEE Program help you overcome those barriers to adult education?
Barriers to adult education
Many people don’t know how to get back into learning as an adult – especially if they don’t have the time, the money or the confidence.
Our STEPS SEE Program employs Participant Support Officers, who help learners overcome obstacles by assisting with things like organising childcare, or acquiring appropriate clothing for classes or job interviews.
Here’s a look at the most common reasons why adults don’t go back to education and training, and how the STEPS SEE Program addresses each one.
“I don’t have time”
Lack of time is one of the most common barriers to adult education. Many things can take up your day: work (including jobs with changing schedules), caring for family, and the demands of daily life, like household chores.
While traditional education tends to follow strict timetables, the STEPS SEE Program offers flexibility. Part-time and full-time options are available, and our team can work with you to find the best schedule to learn at your own pace.
“I don’t have the money”
3.7 million Australians live below the poverty line, and many more have debt and other financial pressures that severely impact their spending. This can be a major barrier to education and training, which typically leads to more debt, and prevents people from pursuing the same opportunities as those with more disposable income.
The STEPS SEE Program is fully funded by the Australian Government, which means it is completely free for eligible participants. There are no out-of-pocket fees, so you can simply apply and start your learning journey.
“I wasn’t good at school”
Many adults carry difficult memories of traditional formal education. If learning felt overwhelmingly hard or unwelcoming, the idea of going back can be daunting.
But unlike traditional schooling, the STEPS SEE Program focuses on practical, contextualised learning; in other words, we focus on skills that you can use in your everyday life at home or work through hands-on activities. Our classes are supportive spaces with no judgement, and you’ll be encouraged by your peers and trainers.
Paul left school just three weeks into Year Eight. “I didn’t like school and school didn’t like me,” he said. “I just don’t think I was the right fit for that kind of learning, and at that time, there wasn’t much support for someone who didn’t fit.
Decades later, when his work as a labourer started demanding digital skills he’d never needed before, Paul joined the STEPS SEE Program in Townsville. With the help of his trainers, he learnt how to use email, access MyGov, and manage Medicare online.
Read more about Paul’s STEPS SEE Program experience here.
“I’ve been out of work for a long time”
Health challenges, injury, carer responsibilities, or long periods of unemployment can mean years away from work or study, which often leads to a lot of anxiety around putting yourself back out there.
Mary joined the STEPS SEE Program in Cairns after a long period out of the workforce due to illness. She felt overwhelmed and wasn’t sure where to start, but with the support of her trainers, she refreshed her digital and workplace skills and completed a BSB30120 Certificate III in Business.
Mary went on to work as a Customer Support Officer at STEPS; she’s one of the first friendly faces that new education and training participants meet when they walk through the front door. “I’ve been able to help people in need of support and show them that there’s a place for them in the world, there’s always people who care,” Mary said.
Read more about Mary’s STEPS SEE Program experience here.
“I’m not sure that learning will help me”
You may be wondering if getting back into education or training is even worth it, and that’s understandable, especially if you’ve tried before and didn’t see the results you hoped for.
The STEPS SEE Program is designed to be practical and relevant to your goals, focusing on skills you can use straight away in your everyday life or work. That might mean developing your confidence with reading or writing, practising using technology for independent use, or feeling better prepared to apply for jobs and successfully sit for an interview.
While some lessons may happen in a training room, many take place out in the community. Our participants regularly visit places like the library, supermarket, or local businesses to practise their everyday skills.
Many of our participants say that learning with the STEPS SEE Program feels much more achievable and useful than they expected. Progress will look different for everyone, and even seemingly small gains or moments can be breakthroughs that open new doors and opportunities.
“I can’t access the course I want”
Learning can be inaccessible for a lot of different reasons, like distance, limited transport, lack of disability support, or not being able to find a program that suits your needs or schedule.
Living in a regional or rural area typically means a long commute to education and training, but STEPS has 17 locations offering the SEE Program across regional Queensland and Northern Territory. Talk to our friendly Customer Care Team on 1300 131 965 for more information about your closest site.
Where we offer the free STEPS SEE Program:
Queensland
- Cairns
- Cairns City
- Edmonton
- Gordonvale
- Innisfail
- Manunda
- Mareeba
- Mossman
- Sunshine Coast
- Caloundra
- Gympie
- Maroochydore
- Nambour
- Noosa
- Townsville
- Wide Bay
- Bundaberg
- Hervey Bay
Northern Territory
- Alice Springs
- Darwin
- Casuarina
- Palmerston
- Katherine
What you can learn with STEPS
The STEPS SEE Program can help you develop your language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
Depending on your goals, you can also work towards a nationally recognised qualification:
- BSB30120 Certificate III in Business
- SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
We also offer courses with specific focuses to help you reach your goals:
- Decked Out helps you ace your professional skills to find a job
- Five STEPS Housing Program helps you become a confident renter
- Basic English Class helps you learn English at a total beginner level
STEPS has many different avenues for finding your path forward. Like we said earlier, you don’t have to have your plan mapped out; our trainers are with you every step of the way.
Who is eligible for free training
If you are 15 years of age or older, have left school, and need support with reading, writing, maths or digital skills, the STEPS SEE Program is for you.
To be eligible for free training, you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold one of the visas outlined in our ‘Eligibility’ section.
Take the next step
STEPS is dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive training. When you join a STEPS course, you join a community. We encourage you to read stories from our STEPS SEE Program to see how our participants grow and reach their goals, even in ways they never expected.
To find more information or apply, visit the STEPS SEE Program webpage, call our friendly Customer Care Team on 1300 131 965, or email customercare@stepsgroup.com.au.
