This award recognises organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting people in overcoming significant barriers or disadvantage to effectively participate in foundation skills courses.
Meet the finalists in the Adult Community Education (ACE) Provider of the Year category for the 2026 South Australian Training Awards - truly inspiring organisations!
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Delivering innovative foundation skills programs to learners from diverse cultural backgrounds across Adelaide, Community Access and Services SA (CAaSSA) is a sector leader in multicultural adult community education.
Its approach integrates language, digital skills and pathway planning with culturally responsive teaching and strong community connections.
A key strength is its co-designed model, with bilingual educators delivering training in first languages and tailoring learning to cultural context, ensuring accessibility and sustained engagement. Programs are delivered in community settings, workplaces and online, extending learning beyond the classroom.
CAaSSA also leads innovation across the sector, contributing to training reforms, developing open-access resources and supporting pathways into accredited training and employment.
With strong completion rates and clear transitions into further study and work, CAaSSA is creating inclusive, culturally grounded pathways that support learners to build skills, confidence and meaningful participation in the community.
CommunityLIFE SA delivers inclusive, community-based programs that support individuals facing complex barriers to learning and employment.
Its Adult Community Education program offers practical courses in areas such as English, digital skills, hospitality and small business, designed to build both life and employability skills.
CommunityLIFE SA’s integrated, wraparound model, where education is embedded within broader community services, enabling participants to access counselling, employment support and local networks alongside their learning is an organisational strength.
Programs are delivered in accessible community locations, including evenings and weekends, reducing barriers such as transport and time constraints.
This flexible, learner-centred approach has achieved strong engagement and outcomes, with participants progressing into employment, further study and community participation.
By combining practical training with holistic support and community connection, CommunityLIFE SA is creating sustainable pathways for individuals to build confidence, skills and long-term wellbeing.
Supporting women facing significant barriers to education and employment, GOGO Foundation delivers a highly impactful Adult Community Education program through its Inclusive Work Program. Designed as a trauma-informed, nine-week course, the program combines foundation skills with wellbeing, mentoring and real-world learning experiences.
A defining feature is its relational, participant-centred model, with foundation skills embedded into practical activities while participants receive one-on-one mentoring lived-experience peer support and wraparound assistance tailored to their individual circumstances. This creates a safe, flexible learning environment for women experiencing domestic and family violence, long-term unemployment, housing instability and social isolation.
The program achieves strong outcomes, with high completion rates and participants progressing into further education, training and employment pathways.
By addressing complex barriers through trust, connection and tailored support, GOGO Foundation is empowering women to rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning and create sustainable pathways for their future.
Working across Whyalla and Port Augusta, SkillUp SA supports individuals facing long-term unemployment, cultural barriers and educational disengagement.
SkillUp SA delivers inclusive, community-based adult education programs focused on supporting learners with low language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills across regional South Australia.
A key strength is its highly personalised, learner-centred approach, with foundation skills embedded into real workplace tasks such as reading rosters, completing forms and using digital tools. Training is delivered through flexible, small-group environments with tailored resources, mentoring and strong community partnerships.
The organisation also works closely with industry, creating direct pathways into employment, including successful transitions into roles with major employers.
By focusing on confidence, belonging and practical skill development, SkillUp SA is enabling learners to overcome barriers and build meaningful pathways into further training, employment and community participation.
Learning at Morella Community Centre is supported through flexible delivery, local venues and strong wraparound services, including partnerships with community organisations to address barriers beyond the classroom.
The centre delivers inclusive, community-led adult education programs that support diverse learners to build confidence, foundation skills and pathways into employment and further study. Its programs engage new arrivals, migrants, people with disability and individuals experiencing social or economic disadvantage through a culturally responsive, co-designed approach.
Courses are developed in partnership with the community to reflect local needs and aspirations and programs combine foundation skills with practical learning in areas such as digital literacy, hospitality, health and small business.
With a strong focus on inclusion, cultural safety and real-world application, Morella Community Centre is creating accessible learning opportunities that empower participants to progress into further education, employment and active community participation.