Bass Coast
Adult Learning
A Message from Joshua Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Workforce Plus
Over the past few weeks, I've had the privilege of meeting many of the staff and community members whose lives have been touched by Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL). It has become abundantly clear that BCAL has been far more than an education provider. For more than 30 years, it has been a place of belonging, opportunity and connection for the Bass Coast community.
The decision to place BCAL into liquidation and permanently close its doors marks the end of an extraordinary chapter for our community. I recognise the uncertainty this has created for students, staff and the wider community, particularly for those who were partway through their studies or who relied on BCAL as a trusted place to learn, connect and grow.
On behalf of Workforce Plus, I want you to know that we are committed to doing everything reasonably possible to ensure that every student has a pathway forward.
Working closely with the appointed administrators, Workforce Plus has been approved to support the transition of current students. Our immediate priority is to minimise disruption by maintaining continuity of learning wherever possible. This includes engaging with existing BCAL staff so that students can continue learning with familiar educators and retain the trusted relationships that are so important to confidence, participation and success.
Importantly, our commitment extends to every student affected by BCAL's closure. Where Workforce Plus is able to continue a course or program directly, we will work to ensure students can complete their studies with as little disruption as possible. Where we are unable to deliver a particular course, we are actively assisting students to identify and connect with suitable alternative education providers. Our priority is ensuring that every student has a clear pathway to continue their learning, regardless of who ultimately delivers it. We believe no student should be disadvantaged simply because their education provider has ceased operating.
Our commitment extends beyond supporting current students. We want to ensure that the Bass Coast community continues to have access to meaningful education and training opportunities well into the future. Subject to the necessary approvals and funding, our vision is to re-establish a strong community education presence from the existing site, delivering a broad range of programs including English language classes, Learn Local courses, First Aid, digital literacy, accredited training and other education and employment pathways that respond to the evolving needs of our community.
We also recognise that BCAL's closure has left many prospective students without a local pathway into education. Workforce Plus is committed to rebuilding those opportunities so that people looking to improve their skills, gain qualifications, learn English, prepare for employment or simply reconnect with learning once again have access to high-quality community education close to home.
While we have the experience, capability and commitment to deliver these services, securing the funding required to do so remains one of our greatest challenges. We are actively engaging with government, philanthropic organisations and community partners to secure the resources needed to continue these important programs and restore education opportunities to Bass Coast as quickly as possible.
As a registered charity, Workforce Plus exists to create opportunities for people and communities. We believe education changes lives, strengthens communities and creates pathways to employment, independence, confidence and belonging.
BCAL has built an extraordinary legacy over more than three decades. Our goal is not to replace that legacy, but to honour it by ensuring that learning, opportunity and community connection continue for the people of Bass Coast. We are committed to working alongside students, staff, local government, community organisations and funding partners to ensure that the closure of one organisation does not mean the end of community education in Bass Coast.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and trust during this transition. We look forward to working with the community, current students, existing BCAL staff and future learners as we build the next chapter together, one that provides certainty, opportunity and lasting pathways for everyone who calls Bass Coast home.
Frequently Asked Questions – BCAL Transition to Workforce Plus
General
Why is Workforce Plus becoming involved?
Following the administration process of Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL), Workforce Plus has been working closely with key stakeholders to minimise disruption for students and help ensure adult education continues to be available within the Bass Coast community.
Our immediate priority is to support current students to complete their studies while exploring opportunities to expand local training options into the future.
Is Workforce Plus taking over BCAL?
No. Workforce Plus is not purchasing or taking over BCAL as an organisation.
Instead, Workforce Plus is supporting the transition of students from BCAL and is working with local stakeholders to continue delivering quality education and training services in the Bass Coast region.
Is Workforce Plus a Registered Training Organisation?
Yes. Workforce Plus is a nationally registered training organisation (RTO) delivering accredited training, employment services and community programs across Victoria and the Northern Territory.
Current BCAL Students
What happens to my course?
Where possible, Workforce Plus is working to support students to continue their training with minimal disruption.
Each student's circumstances are different, so we will contact students individually about their transition arrangements.
Which courses is Workforce Plus taking over?
We plan to continue (subject to funding)
All ACFE / Learn Local Courses
All English as an additional Language (EAL) Courses (we are currently seeking accreditation to deliver this accredited training)
Fee for Service courses (such as First Aid)
We are unable to take over the Certificate III in Horticulture or the Certificate II in Salon Assistant. We will, however, contact and work with individual students to find alternative options that work for them.
Will I have to start my course again?
No.
Where appropriate, previously completed units and training records will be recognised through normal credit transfer and transition processes.
Will my qualification still be nationally recognised?
Yes.
All nationally recognised training delivered through Workforce Plus already meets the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) requirements. For those studying English as a Second Language Courses (EAL) we are working on obtaining the relevant accreditations and approvals to deliver this as an accredited course. In the meantime, we are advocating for gap funding which will allow us to deliver it non-accredited while we assess the viability of this regulatory process.
Will my trainers stay the same?
Where possible, we aim to maintain continuity for students. However, this may vary depending on staffing and individual programs.
Will classes stay in Bass Coast?
Yes, all classes that Workforce Plus can take on will remain in Bass Coast. We are continuing conversations with Council for ongoing use of the site.
Future Courses
Will Workforce Plus continue offering community courses?
That is our goal.
Subject to funding arrangements, Workforce Plus will be offering a range of community education opportunities from the Bass Coast site that meet the needs of Bass Coast locals.
What courses are you planning to offer?
While planning is still underway, courses being considered include:
- Learn Local Courses
- English as an additional Language (EAL) Courses
- First Aid
- CPR
- Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
- Food Safety
- Digital literacy
- Employment skills
- Short vocational courses
- Accredited qualifications
- Community learning programs
Course offerings will expand over time based on community need and available funding.
Can I register my interest now?
Yes.
We encourage community members to register their interest so we can keep you informed as new courses become available.
Funding
Will Learn Local programs continue?
Workforce Plus is actively working with the Victorian Government regarding gap funding to support continued delivery.
We also intend to apply for future funding opportunities as they become available.
Is funding guaranteed?
Not at this stage.
Some programs remain subject to government funding approvals.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Bass Coast Site
Will classes continue at the current BCAL campus?
Workforce Plus is working with Bass Coast Shire Council regarding future access to the existing site.
While discussions are progressing positively, ongoing use of the facility remains subject to Council approval.
When will courses recommence?
Some transition activities are already underway for existing students. We are awaiting funding outcomes for classes to officially resume.
Public courses will commence once operational arrangements and approvals have been finalised.
Community
Will Learn Local programs continue?
Workforce Plus is actively working with the Victorian Government regarding gap funding to support continued delivery.
We also intend to apply for future funding opportunities as they become available.
Is funding guaranteed?
Not at this stage.
Some programs remain subject to government funding approvals.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Bass Coast Site
Will classes continue at the current BCAL campus?
Workforce Plus is working with Bass Coast Shire Council regarding future access to the existing site.
While discussions are progressing positively, ongoing use of the facility remains subject to Council approval.
When will courses recommence?
Some transition activities are already underway for existing students. We are awaiting funding outcomes for classes to officially resume.
Public courses will commence once operational arrangements and approvals have been finalised.
About Workforce Plus
Who is Workforce Plus?
Workforce Plus is a not-for-profit organisation delivering:
- Nationally recognised training
- Employment services
- Disability services
- Community programs and Education
We have been supporting Victorian communities for many years and are committed to creating pathways into education, employment and lifelong learning.
Why is Workforce Plus investing in Bass Coast?
We already deliver a number of services in the Bass Coast.
We recognise the important role adult education plays in strengthening local communities.
Our goal is to ensure people living in the Bass Coast region continue to have access to quality training, lifelong learning and employment opportunities close to home.
Stay Updated
How do I stay informed?
Register your interest through Workforce Plus and follow our social media channels for updates on:
- Course availability
- Community programs
- Student transition information
- Funding announcements
- Campus updates