Funded by SkillsSA through the South Australian Department of State Development, Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North (RDAYMN) is delivering three high-impact Adult Community Education (ACE) programs. The Heavy Industry Multi Skills program which has been delivered 9 times since 2019, Career in Care which is currently in its second intake, and a Pathways to Childcare program about to commence.

The Heavy Industry Multi Skills program has now supported 121 disadvantaged and disengaged students in Port Pirie, with an 89% successful completion rate, and 82% of graduates moving into employment within heavy industry.

Each program embeds language, literacy, numeracy and digital capability, and intensive learner services, ensuring students are supported from enrolment through to employment transition. A dedicated student mentor, who is an ex-industry professional, also provides students with personal and professional mentoring supports to facilitate engagement and retention.

In the Heavy Industry program learners complete two construction skill sets preparing them for civil and mining-related workforces. The Pathways to Childcare program provides a cluster including WHS, food safety, child protection and first aid. The Career in Care program enables participants to complete the Preparing to Work in Community Services and Health skill set.

This accredited training is delivered in conjunction with work preparation, industry immersion, as well as drug and alcohol, mental health and budgeting and finance workshops. Addressing the multiple and complex barriers faced by jobseekers in regions by working closely with our industry partners, ensuring training is current and meeting industry needs. 

The agreement positions RDA YMN as a key provider of ACE methodology across the region and supports our long-term workforce development goals. Overall, this funding represents a significant opportunity to increase access to high-quality training, build foundation skills, and connect local people to meaningful employment and further training pathways.

Industry partners

Career in Care – Parkview Community Care, Carers & Disability Link, Regional Disability Support Services, Country Home Services, Elohim Disability Services, Star of the Sea, TAFE SA and LLN Consulting.

Heavy Industry Multi-Skills – Nyrstar, TEC Contracting, Gadaleta Steel Fabrication, MacMahon Services, DM Roads, Hazelbros, SJ Cheesman, TAFE SA and Uniting Country SA

Pathways to Childcare – Statewide Apprenticeships, The Gums Childcare Centre, Clare Valley Children’s Centre, Jamestown Community Centre, ELC Training and LLN Consulting.

Image source: RDA Yorke and Mid North (Yorke and Mid North | Regional Development Australia)