Pod - Foundation skills

Michelle Circelli

Research and Insights Lead
Future Skills Organisation (FSO) 

Michelle worked with NCVER for close to 20 years and recently moved to the Future Skills Organisation (FSO). Michelle has developed an interest in all aspects of vocational education and training and a particular interest in adult language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, sometimes referred to as foundation skills. This interest was supported through being awarded the 2013 Fulbright Professional Scholar in Vocational Education and Training, researching how success of foundation skills programs is measured in the United States. Michelle also managed and was a mentor for the 2015-16 Foundation Skills Literature Review project, a joint initiative with the University of Technology Sydney and the Australian Council for Adult Literacy aimed developing the research capabilities of adult language, literacy and numeracy practitioners. Michelle has been a member of multiple LLN-related committees including the ABS Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) Reference Group (2008-2012) and Expert Panel (2009), and the Australian Industry Group ‘Building Employer Commitment to Workplace Literacy’ Reference Group (2011-2014) and the National Workplace Literacy Project Steering Committee (2009-2010).

Empowering learners: harnessing personal stories to boost reading and writing skills
(Nala Ireland, March 2025)

Addressing low levels of literacy and numeracy in the workplace [webinar]
(Source: Ai Group Centre for Education and Training, October 2024)