The ACT Government identified a whole of government approach to support senior citizens in the ACT Strategic Plan for Positive Ageing 2010-2014. The plan identifies actions grouped under a number of key priority areas. The two key priority areas relevant to the Directorate activity are: Information and Communication; and Work and Retirement.
Information and Communication
Under the Information and Communication priority area, the Directorate has responsibility to develop and promote ICT training services for senior citizens.
The Directorate recognises the need for ICT training and skills to enable senior citizens to easily access information, services and social contacts. The Directorate administered four funded training initiatives for which senior citizens (people aged 60 years and over) were eligible in 2011-12: Australian Apprenticeships; Priorities Support Program (PSP); Productivity Places Program (PPP); and Adult and Community Education (ACE) Program.
Under the four training initiatives, 18 training courses available for adults of all ages including senior citizens were specific ICT programs or included basic ICT skills. Basic ICT skills included operating a personal computer and sending and retrieving information using the Internet and email.
Under PSP and PPP, 20 senior citizens enrolled in ICT specific courses or courses that included competency in basic ICT skills.
Work and Retirement
Under this strategic priority area, the Directorate is required to promote educational and recreational opportunities. The Directorate understands the importance of providing educational and recreational opportunities for older people who are in full-time, part-time or casual paid employment, volunteer work or simply seeking to update their skills.
In 2011-12, 88 senior citizens accessed nationally accredited vocational education and training under PSP and PPP. In 2011-12, 49 senior citizens commenced an Australian Apprenticeship. In order of popularity, the top three Australian Apprenticeships undertaken by senior citizens in this period were in the industry areas of asset maintenance, business and childcare.
Three courses under the ACT ACE grants program specifically targeted senior citizens: Arts for Seniors; Dovetails for Diggers and Metal Manglers; and Old Soldiers and Computers.
For more information contact:
Director
Training and Tertiary Education
(02) 6205 8555