ACFE Board Memo 18 February 2014

To:Learn Local Organisations
ACFE Regional Council Chairs
Adult Education Institutions
Learn Local Stakeholders
Participation Branch Staff

Subject:Learn Local Digital Strategy – Update and contact details for website listing

Update on implementation of Strategy

Since our last update (see Memo no. 2013/11/07), the Steering Committee and project managers (ALA and ANHLC), have been busy implementing the various elements of the Learn Local Digital Strategy. This has included the development of a comprehensive Action Plan for the Learn Local social media channels, the development of a Wikipedia entry for the Learn Local network which should be published shortly, as well as the design and build of the new Learn Local network website.

The exciting news is that the new website is on track to be launched in March 2014. Stay tuned for more information about the official launch and how you can get involved!

About the website

The design and structure of the new website has been largely determined by your feedback and, as with all of the elements, has been overseen by the Steering Committee (see Memo no. 2013/11/07 to see which Learn Local organisation represents your region). The website is all about engaging potential learners. It has the following main sections:

  • What is Learn Local?

An overview of the network including information about the unique aspects of learning at Learn Local organisations, the types of training available (ie. pre-accredited and accredited), some information about the Victorian Training Guarantee and how to enrol.

  • What you can learn

More detailed information about the wide variety of courses and programs available at most Learn Local organisations. Courses and programs are sorted into nine learning topics to make it easier for users to see the wide range of training available. Pre-accredited and accredited programs are mentioned. The learning topics are:

  • Reading, writing and maths
/
  • English

  • Job and study skills
/
  • Computers and online

  • Community services
/
  • Finish Year 12

  • Business
/
  • Hospitality and retail

  • Construction, health and more (This learning topic includes information about other courses and programs that don’t fit into any of the other eight learning topics).

  • Stories from learners

A range of stories and case studies from across the network focusing on learners’ experiences at different Learn Local organisations.

  • Find a Learn Local

In this section users can search for a Learn Local organisation by suburb or postcode with results displayed in a list and on a Google map (similar to the search function currently on the DEECD site but more sophisticated).There will be a full list of organisations sorted by suburb. Please notebeing listed in this section is optional (see ‘Being listed on the website’ section below for more information).

  • What’s On

This section has news and information about events from Learn Local organisations, as well as information about larger network events such as the Victorian Learn Local Awards and a live feed from the Learn Local Facebook channel.

The main aim of the website is to provide an online home for the Learn Local network which will act as a ‘gateway’ for users to find out about their nearest Learn Local organisation. While it will provide a little bit of information about what Learn Local education and training is all about, its main purpose is to drive traffic straight out to Learn Local organisations. You will be able to see this in action on the website – almost every page leads users to the ‘Find a Learn Local’ search function, and then directly to you!

This website has been built to support the network and increase the online presence of Learn Local organisations. It is not intended to compete with or replace your websites.

You can also influence the content on the website. Once the site goes live, all registered Learn Local organisations will be able to submit content to the website managers such as:

  • events and programs for the What's On page (rotated regularly),
  • new learner stories for the Stories for learners section,
  • inclusions on the Learn Local social media channels (including videos on the YouTube channel).

This is the network’s website to promote everything you do that is Learn Local on it!

Being listed on the website

The opportunity for learners to find you when they use the ‘Find a Learn Local’ search function is available at no cost to all Learn Local organisations currently registered with the ACFE Board. All you have to do is supply the contact information for your organisation (Trading name, street address, phone number, email and website address (if you have one)).

An email was sent to all registered organisations in the first week of February to check that their contact details are correct. The email was sent to the contact email address on the ‘Find a Learn Local Organisation’ search function or the contact address listed on our contracts database. If your organisation has not received an email to confirm your details please contact Mary Masters on 9637 2498 or email as soon as you can. To be sure your information is there when the website is launched we need to have it by Friday 21 February 2014.

More information

If you have any questions about the Learn Local Digital Strategy please contact Georgie Marinucci, Senior Communications Officer, on 9637 2473 or email

Bronwen Heathfield

Director | Participation Branch
Training, Participation and Facilitation Division | Higher Education and Skills Group