The Learn Local for Business awards was instigated by the ACFE Board as a way to acknowledge the commitment of a business to training their employees. It also recognises the capabilities of Learn Local organisations to provide flexible, tailored programs for business and their employees. While many Learn Local organisations are developing training partnerships with local businesses, the strength and longevity of the relationship between the inaugural winners of this award is a model of what can be achieved. The outcomes that have been achieved by employees, by the business and the Learn Local organisation are significant and are contributing not only to the development of a workforce and the growth of a business, but also to the settlement of a refugee community.
Wyndham Community and Education Centre partnered with Vertech Hume. Vertech Hume is a Werribee-based concrete products manufacturing company which employs 14 people including a group of Burmese people for whom English is a second language. To support their language learning, the company tapped into adult community education resources. Wyndham Community and Education Centre, working collaboratively with Rochdale Institute, who provide specialist manufacturing training to the company, has developed an on-going English language program with Certificate I in ESL as the basis. The success of the program has been recognised nationally and in 2012 provided the basis for a segment on the national ALW promotional TV series.
