Free re-training for those retrenched
> Training targets areas of skills shortage > Courses worth $2,000-$7,000 > Another 10,000 places available soon
Ask Kate Column
AL ASKS: “What resources are available for retrenched people in their mid-30s looking for a career change but with no idea what job would suit them?’’
The Federal Government is funding thousands of Certificate III and Certificate IV courses in areas of skills shortage or projected skills shortage. If you were made redundant from February 24, all you need is a separation certificate from your old employer to be immediately eligible. Take the certificate to Centrelink for a referral to an employment services provider to help you find something that suits. The job network will refer you to a registered training organisation so you can start your course.
There are several advantages to making a career change this way. The first is that the Federal Government picks up the tab for courses that would otherwise cost between $2000 and $7000. Second, the course selection covers skills that industry and employers claim are in demand. Third, the process is supported via job network consultants and the training providers so you are not alone.
Face-to-face training and online training are both available. I called an online training provider, Cengage, to find out how web-based training works. Students get the same qualification as face-to-face students, with support from mentors and student forums.
Also, I must thank Cengage for guiding me through the Government website so I could pass directions on to readers. Go to deewr.gov.au, click on Skills then scroll down to the headline Programs. Click Productivity Places. This opens a web page with a variety of links. Have a look around but do click on TPPP for Newly Retrenched Workers.
You will also see the link” Find available courses”. Click on that to bring up a search box. Now this is a little tricky because you must search by Qualification Title, Qualification Type and that presupposes that you know what you are looking for. An A-Z list would have been better. I guess it is just to provide a peek at the possibilities as you will receive guidance from the job network regarding what you’re suited to and what skills are in demand.
Another 10,000 course places have been made available from July 1 but don’t hang about. There are places available now. Since February 2009, 64,000 people around Australia have started a course via the program. Not all have finished but of those that have, 3000 have landed jobs.
