The Victorian State Government has invited organisations to apply for grants to help people upgrade their IT skills.

Minister for Community Development Lily D’Ambrosio called on community organisations to apply for up to $25,000 to make it easier for people to develop new information and communications technology (ICT) skills.

Ms D’Ambrosio said the new Community ICT Skills Grants will help more Victorians get the skills they need to participate in the community, gain employment and connect with others.

“For many people, the internet is an integral part of their work and social life, which is why the Brumby Labor Government is encouraging more people to get online and stay connected through these grants,” she said.

“We welcome applications for grants from community organisations for projects that will help more people to access the opportunities available online," Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“The new Community ICT Skills Grants are about more than just access to the Internet, because many people need help once they get online to learn how to communicate, network and collaborate with others in the emerging digital world.

Ms D’Ambrosio said the project was part of the government’s $1.35 billion vision - A Fairer Victoria – to tackle social disadvantage.

The minister said that the grants could be used for any activities that made it easier for people to gain ICT skills – from training volunteers, to helping transport people to ICT training venues or even providing child care for people taking classes.

“By working together with communities participating in the Brumby Labor Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal, Community Renewal and Community Building Initiative programs, these grants will provide targeted assistance to the people who need it most,” she said.

Grants of up to $25,000 are available to projects that aim to improve ICT skills for: senior Victorians; Indigenous Australians; recently arrived migrants; unemployed or not currently undertaking education and training; and, Victorians who are living with a disability.

Community ICT Skills grants are a key component of the Victorian Government’s $1.8 million Digital Inclusion Fund, which is a two year commitment to supporting social, community and economic inclusion online in communities experiencing disadvantage.