Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Practitioner Scholarships Programme (the Programme) Round Five Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The information provided in this document is designed to answer common questions regarding the Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Practitioner Scholarships Programme. Should you have other questions, please contact the Department of Industry on 13 38 73. About the Scholarships - What are the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Practitioner Scholarships? - How many scholarships have been awarded so far? - How many scholarships are available? - How much funding is available? - Can I claim extra funding if my tuition fees are more than $5000? - Will offers of employment be made to successful participants at the completion of the Programme? - Can a scholarship be extended or deferred? - Key dates - When will I receive my first payment? - Are there other requirements for scholarship recipients? Eligibility - Who is eligible to apply for funding? - Do I need an Australian Business Number (ABN) to apply for a scholarship? - Is there an age limit? - I have a disability or have had a recent injury am I eligible? Qualifications or courses of study - What type of qualifications will be considered? - When should my study start? - Where can I do the scholarships course? - Could you please provide the names of courses or accredited providers in [my area] that will fulfill the scholarship requirements? - Is the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) a suitable course under this Programme? - Would a qualification specialising in literacy and numeracy for children be eligible (eg. Bachelor of Education or Graduate Diploma in Education? Isn t it the same for adults? - Could I do a Masters degree or PhD? - Could I get a scholarship to support Recognition of Prior Learning? - Do I have to be enrolled in the course when I apply for a scholarship? - Could you please provide the course codes for eligible qualifications? - Is part-time, distance or online study acceptable? - Is there a maximum time for study? Application and selection - How do I apply for an LLN Practitioner scholarship? - Statement of Support - How will the successful applicants be chosen? - When would I find out if I was successful? - If I m successful, what would be the terms of my scholarship? - If I m successful, how would I receive my scholarship payment? - When will I receive my scholarship payments?
About the LLN Practitioner Workforce - What do adult LLN Practitioners do? - Where do they teach? - What are the employment prospects for qualified LLN practitioners? - Where are LLN practitioner jobs advertised? - What is the average salary of people with these kinds of qualifications? ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIPS What are Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Practitioner Scholarships? The LLN Practitioner Scholarships Programme seeks to help address long-term shortages of adult LLN practitioners by increasing the number of qualified practitioners. The Programme aims to achieve this objective by providing scholarships as an incentive for individuals to gain LLN expertise, by supporting them to undertake approved study towards an adult LLN practitioner qualification. The Programme is targeted at: new entrants (individuals with no prior qualifications as teachers or trainers) who wish to gain an adult LLN qualification and enter the adult foundation skills specialist field; existing vocational trainers wishing to gain an adult LLN specialisation to identify and address the foundation skills needs of adult learners and/or work as a specialist; and individuals with prior relevant training (i.e. generalist school teachers) wishing to add an adult LLN specialisation to identify and address the foundation skills of adult learners and/or work as a specialist. Indigenous Australians and Australians living in regional and remote areas are strongly encouraged to apply. How many scholarships have been awarded so far? Since commencing in April 2010, almost 300 scholarships have been awarded. The first national application round (Round One) was held in April 2010 for the 2009-10 financial year. Round One scholarship were awarded to individuals who were commencing their studies in 2010. A total of 50 scholarships were awarded. Round Two was held in October/November 2010. Scholarships awarded under this round were for students commencing their studies in 2011. Initially over 90 scholarships were offered. However, due to the number of high quality applications received additional scholarships were awarded. In total, 149 scholarships were awarded in Round Two for study commencing in 2011. Round Three was held in September 2011. In total 51 scholarships were awarded under this round for students commencing their studies in 2012 with 50 scholarships accepted. Round Four was held in November/December 2013. Under Round Four, a total of 47 scholarships were awarded for students commencing their studies in 2014.
How many scholarships are available? Up to 50 scholarships are available in Round Five. How much funding is available? Successful scholarship recipients will receive: up to $5000 toward tuition fees for an approved course of study in adult LLN, depending on the cost of the course; and a one-off payment of $250 for purchasing text books and study materials. Evidence in the form of receipts may be required to verify this expenditure. Scholarships are not available to previous recipients of a scholarship under the LLN Practitioner Scholarships Programme. Can I claim extra funding if my tuition fees are more than $5000? No. The allocation for tuition fees is capped at $5000. Recipients will be responsible for any tuition fees or associated costs beyond this amount. Will offers of employment be made to successful participants at the completion of the Programme? No, this Programme does not guarantee an offer of employment, nor does it provide a job-matching service. Can a scholarship be extended? Scholarship recipients must successfully complete their approved course by the date stipulated in the Scholarship Agreement. If recipients do not complete their approved course by the date stipulated in the Scholarship Agreement, the Department will terminate the Agreement, unless an extension has been approved by the Department. Key dates for Round Five Key dates for the application process for Round Five: Applications open: Saturday, 18 October 2014, Applications close: Midnight Wednesday, 12 November 2014, Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT). Successful applicants will be notified within eight weeks of the application round closing. When will I receive my first payment? Scholarship recipients will receive their first payment upon execution of the Scholarship Agreement and on receipt of a correctly rendered tax invoice. The initial payment will be made within 14 days of the execution of the Scholarship Agreement.
How do I claim my final payment? To receive the final payment, scholarship recipients will be required to provide the following documentation to the Department as stipulated in their Scholarship Agreement: Formal evidence from the scholarship holder s institution of satisfactory completion of the approved course of study; A completed LLN Scholarships Programme Evaluation Form (template provided); and A completed tax invoice made out to the Department of Industry for the remaining Scholarship amount. ELIGIBILITY Who is eligible to apply for funding? Individuals intending to undertake approved study towards an adult LLN practitioner qualification may apply for a scholarship. To be eligible for support under the Programme, applicants must: commence their proposed qualification in the calendar year following the application round; be Australian citizens or permanent residents; and agree to the terms and conditions of the Programme Guidelines and draft Scholarship Agreement. Applicants must fall into at least one of the following categories: New entrants (individuals with no prior qualifications as teachers or trainers) who wish to gain an adult LLN qualification and enter the adult foundation skills specialist field; Existing vocational trainers wishing to gain an adult LLN specialisation to identify and address the foundation skills needs of adult learners and/or work as a specialist; and Individuals with prior relevant training (i.e. generalist school teachers) wishing to add an adult LLN specialisation to identify and address the foundation skills of adult learners and/or work as a specialist. Evidence will be required as part of the application process to demonstrate the eligibility requirements listed above. Scholarships are not available to previous recipients of a scholarship under the Programme unless the recipient withdrew prior to commencing study in the approved course. Scholarships are not available to individuals seeking to gain a qualification for the purpose of teaching outside Australia. Do I need an ABN to apply for a scholarship? No, an ABN is not required. Is there an age limit? No, however the Programme aims to contribute to an expansion of the adult LLN practitioner workforce to offset long-term shortages and expected losses from retirements. There is an expectation that scholarship recipients will be able to contribute to the field on completion of their qualification.
I have a disability or have had a recent injury am I eligible? Yes. You are certainly eligible if you feel comfortable that you can meet the requirements of the adult LLN practitioner profession (see further questions in About the LLN Practitioner Workforce below). SUITABLE QUALIFICATIONS What type of qualifications will be considered? Suitable qualifications must be accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework, may be delivered in either the vocational education and training sector or the higher education sector and must include a specialisation in the teaching of adult LLN. Courses delivered in the vocational education and training sector must be provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) whose scope of registration covers the LLN practitioner qualification. Courses include, but are not limited to: Certificate IV in Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment and Training Graduate Diploma of Adult Language Literacy and Numeracy Elements of the Graduate Diploma of Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice. Incorporating one core unit plus two electives Elements of the Graduate Diploma of Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Leadership. Incorporating one core unit plus two electives Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Education with a Language Literacy and Numeracy Specialisation. Candidates must fulfill the entrance level requirements for this Bachelor qualification as outlined by the university Graduate Diploma of Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Graduate Diploma of Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Leadership LLN scholarships will not be awarded to applicants seeking to do PhD studies. NOTE: This Programme is designed to support individuals interested in delivering training in Australia to assist Australian citizens and permanent residents with low literacy and numeracy skills. Scholarships are not available for TESOL courses aimed at overseas English language tuition. If the qualification you are seeking to complete is not listed above; please contact 13 38 73. When should my study start? For Round Five, scholarships will only be granted for approved courses that commence in 2015. Where can I do an approved course? If you are interested in applying for a Scholarship, it is your responsibility to identify a course that meets both the Programme requirements and your own personal needs and circumstances. You will need to consider a range of factors, including the qualification level, entry requirements, location, length, study mode (face-to face, on-line or distance), and job prospects. Please also see: What type of qualifications will be considered? and Could you please provide the names of courses or accredited providers in [my area] that will fulfil the scholarship requirements? Could you please provide the names of courses or accredited providers in [my area] that will fulfill the scholarship requirements?
As course offerings change on a regular basis, there is no single, comprehensive listing of specialist adult LLN practitioner courses and providers available in Australia. We encourage you to make enquiries with higher education institutions and registered training providers in the state/territory where you may be considering study, to determine whether they offer a suitable adult LLN qualification. Please also see: What type of qualifications will be considered? Is the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) a suitable course under this Programme? No, the CELTA is awarded by the University of Cambridge, UK and while it is recognised on the National Qualifications Framework for England, it is not an accredited course within the Australian Qualifications Framework. Qualifications that are eligible for a scholarship under this Programme must: Be accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF); Be delivered by a Higher Education Institution or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) whose scope of registration covers the LLN practitioner qualification; and Include a specialisation in adult LLN teaching. Would a qualification specialising in literacy and numeracy for children be eligible (e.g. Bachelor of Education or Graduate Diploma in Education)? Isn t it the same for adults? No, teaching adults is normally approached differently to teaching children and young people, so the qualification needs to be in adult literacy and numeracy practice. Could I do a Masters degree or PhD? The Programme aims to provide an incentive for individuals to enter the adult LLN field at the level of a practitioner. Consideration will be given on a case by case basis to applicants requesting funding to support studies at Masters degree level. LLN Scholarships will not be awarded to applicants seeking to do PhD studies. Could I get a scholarship to support Recognition of Prior Learning? Consideration will be given on a case by case basis to applicants requesting funding to support Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for an adult LLN practitioner qualification. Do I have to be enrolled in the course when I apply for a scholarship? No, scholarships are awarded to individuals commencing an adult LLN practitioner qualification in the academic year following the application round. As part of the application process you will need to identify the course that you intend to enrol in. If you are successful in gaining a scholarship, you will need to provide confirmation of your enrolment from the institution where you intend to study. You will also need to provide evidence that the total cost of your tuition fees has been paid for in full, or has been deferred to HELP debt. This evidence will be required before a Scholarship Agreement can be entered into and prior to the first payment being made. Could you please provide the course codes of suitable qualifications?
Course names and codes can vary between states/territories and providers, and it is not uncommon for one course to have several different codes. In our experience, the most reliable results are obtained by searching www.training.gov.au. Is part-time, distance or online study acceptable? Yes, proposed courses can be undertaken part time, or by distance or online study if these study modes are offered by your selected education/training provider. When considering your proposed course of study and delivery mode, think about what support structures you will have in place to ensure your success. Is there a maximum time for study? There is no maximum duration for eligible study under the LLN Practitioner Scholarships Programme, due to the: Wide range of eligible courses (Certificate IV to Bachelor and Master degrees); Variety of modes of study (full and part time, online and distance); and Need for some applicants to work and study concurrently. Individual institutions may impose time limits for the completion of qualifications and applicants should check with their selected institution. However, scholarship recipients must complete their approved course by the date stipulated in the Scholarship Agreement. No extensions beyond this date will be granted. Final scholarship payments will only be paid on successful completion of your approved course and upon submission of all items listed in the Scholarship Agreement. APPLICATION AND SELECTION How do I apply for an LLN Practitioner scholarship? Applicants must complete and successfully submit the online application form to the Department by the closing date specified on the website. The website will provide details on how to complete the registration process, instructions on submitting an application and a link to the online application form. Applicants must apply using the Department s nominated system. For assistance with any technical issues experienced while completing an application form please Contact Us. Our website and staff can help you with forms, finding business information and services and allow you to provide feedback, comments or suggestions. If you require additional information relating to the Programme (such as eligibility and approved courses), please contact 13 38 73. The application must include sufficient information and associated supporting documentation to enable the Department to assess the application.
Statement of Support Your Statement of Support is a very important part of your application. When assessing scholarship applications, the statement of support from your referee will be given a weighting and will contribute to your overall score. Referees should comment on the applicant s suitability to undertake the proposed course of study. Referees should: Outline their relationship with the applicant; Explain how the applicant will benefit from undertaking the qualification; Confirm that they fully support the applicant for a scholarship. (i.e an employer may provide the recipient flexible working arrangements or study leave while a lecturer, mentor or tutor may provide the recipient with mentoring and support); Explain why they believe the applicant has capacity to successfully undertake the proposed qualification; and Outline the positive contributions the applicant has made to their workplace/organisation or community. The Department will not accept hard-copy applications. The Department will not accept late applications. How will the successful applicants be chosen? Successful applicants will be determined through an open, competitive process. All applications will be subjected to a panel review and must address the criteria as outlined in the Programme Guidelines at www.industry.gov.au/llnscholarships. Late applications will not be accepted. When would I find out if I was successful? It is anticipated that applicants will be advised within eight weeks of the application round process closing. If I m successful, what would be the terms of my scholarship? Successful scholarship recipients will be required to sign a Scholarship Agreement with the Department regarding the terms and conditions of the scholarship. An example of the Agreement is available at: www.industry.gov.au/llnscholarships. If I m successful, how would I receive my scholarship payment? Australian Government policy is that all payments should be made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) (i.e. directly into your bank account) where possible. This means that scholarship recipients will need to complete and submit to the Department of Industry New Supplier Form to provide us with bank account details. This will be required once only, prior to receiving your first payment. Scholarship recipients also need to complete and submit a tax invoice for each scholarship payment. For further details of payments, please read the Programme Guidelines and the sample Scholarship Agreement available at www.industry.gov.au/llnscholarships.
When will I receive my scholarship payments? Payment to scholarship recipients are paid in two instalments: The first payment of 50 per cent of the scholarship amount is paid upon proof of payment of fees (or HELP statement) and on execution of the Scholarship Agreement, and upon receipt of a correctly rendered tax invoice; and The final payment of 50 per cent of the scholarship amount on completion of the approved course of study and upon receipt of all documents detailed in the Scholarship Agreement. ABOUT THE LLN PRACTITIONER WORKFORCE What do Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Practitioners do? Adult LLN practitioners specialise in teaching language, literacy and numeracy skills such as reading, writing and mathematics to adults with low literacy or numeracy. Language, literacy and numeracy are now recognised as core skills for generic, employability and learning to learn skills at all levels of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). Current research suggests that one of the most significant factors in implementing wide ranging strategies to address literacy and numeracy issues nationally is the availability of high quality, well trained adult LLN practitioners who can operate effectively in a diverse range of environments to support a diverse clientele. Where do they teach? In Australia, adult LLN is taught in many different ways and through a range of delivery modes. Practitioners might work in: Formal educational settings in the public or private sector (e.g. TAFE colleges, private providers or community houses); Informal education settings, social welfare and community based settings (e.g. housing agencies, libraries, neighborhood houses or men s sheds); Workplace settings (e.g. vocational/workplace trainers and assessors); or Correctional settings. A substantial number of LLN practitioners are also employed in Australian Government funded programs including: Skills for Education and Employment (SEE); and Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) What are the employment prospects for qualified LLN practitioners? The adult LLN field is experiencing a shortage of qualified LLN practitioners and faces significant losses in the next five to ten years due to an ageing workforce, particularly in regional areas. Practitioners can be employed full time, although many are also employed on a part-time/seasonal basis. What qualifications do I need in order to teach adult LLN? There are currently no formal, nationally agreed professional standards for adult LLN practitioners. The diversity of employment options means that required qualifications will vary depending upon the nature and demands of the job.
Nevertheless, it is commonly accepted that a practitioner delivering adult LLN training would have, as a minimum: an accredited teaching or training qualification (Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or above); and an LLN specialisation, as part of either their first or subsequent qualification. Where are LLN practitioner jobs advertised? LLN practitioner jobs are advertised across a wide range of media. Many are advertised in national, regional or local papers; on employment websites; or in industry newsletters. What is the average salary of people with these kinds of qualifications? The average salary of LLN specialist teachers varies depending on their place of employment and whether they work on a full time, part time or seasonal basis. However, the following occupation information on myfuture.edu.au may provide some indications: Technical and Further Education Lecturer Teacher - English as a Second Language