Adult Community Education Projects

Delivered in community-based settings, ACE can boost people’s skills and confidence, leading to renewed interest and the ability to participate in formal education and training, volunteering, or work.

In 2025-26, Skills SA will support the delivery of foundation skills training in community-based settings through Adult Community Education (ACE) Projects, ACE Set-Up Grants, ACE Strategic Set-Up Grants, and ACE+ Pilot projects.

Projects can be delivered as contextualised non-accredited training (Level 1 ACE project) or as a combination of contextualised non-accredited training and accredited vocational training (Level 2 ACE project) through courses that best suit the interests and identified skills needs of the local community.

ACE Set-Up Grants support the establishment and delivery of ACE in regional areas with new providers. Eligible organisations are invited to apply for small, time-limited grants for support to start delivering Level 1 ACE.

ACE Strategic Set-Up Grants support expansion and reach of ACE in regional areas through arrangements with key ‘backbone’ partners and extensive local partnerships. Delivery will focus on Level 1 ACE, Level 2 ACE and vocational pathways. ACE Strategic Set-Up Grants will be commissioned directly by Skills SA.

All ACE projects should align with the Adult Community Education Guidelines and include at least one Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Pre-Level 1, Level 1 or Level 2 unit of competency from the FSK Foundation Skills Training Package.