Australians are being encouraged to discover new opportunities, build skills and pursue their goals during Adult Learners Week, which runs from 1 to 8 September 2026.
Adult Learners Week is a UNESCO initiative coordinated in Australia by Adult Learning Australia and supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). The week highlights the importance of lifelong learning and aligns with DEWR's work to help Australians build skills, improve employment opportunities and participate fully in the workforce and community.
This year's theme, "Follow Your Compass: Learning for Life!", highlights the role learning can play in helping people navigate change, develop new skills and create new opportunities, whether that's finding a new career, building confidence, developing workplace skills or pursuing a personal passion.
The week also highlights the Australian Government's commitment to helping people build skills, access training and participate fully in their communities and the workforce throughout their lives.
Building skills throughout life
DEWR delivers and supports a range of programs that help Australians build foundation skills, access vocational education and training (VET), prepare for employment and adapt to changing workforce needs.
Support includes:
- Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) – free and flexible language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills training for eligible Australians.
- SEE First Nations – designed to support community engagement and skills training for First Nations people.
- Free TAFE – supports students by removing financial barriers to study in areas of high demand and skills need.
- Reading Writing Hotline – adults can call this free national referral service for help with improving reading, writing and basic maths skills.
- Parent Pathways – supports parents and carers with their personal, study or work goals.
- Career Transition Assistance – assistance for people aged 45 and over to prepare for their next job opportunity.
- Commonwealth Prac Payment – assists eligible Diploma of Nursing students to manage the costs associated with undertaking a mandatory placement.
- Mature Age Hub – provides information and practical resources for mature age workers and businesses interested in employing and supporting them.
- Apprenticeships advice and support – learn how to obtain a nationally recognised qualification and the experience you need in your chosen career.
Australians interested in study, training or skills development can explore a range of government-supported opportunities during Adult Learners Week and beyond.
More information
- Adult Learners Week is the perfect time to get involved. Visit Adult Learners Week.
- Visit Your Career and Workforce Australia to find out more.
- Read the stories of Australians who have used learning to transform their lives.