Join the Rewarding and Important Aged Care Services
Being told you are too old for a job has been reversed by a Federal Job Scheme – Reach, Train and Employ. The program is available in the Cities of Brimbank, Melton and Bacchus Marsh.
The Reach, Train and Employ program, being managed by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria for the Federal Government, is targeting unemployed mature workers aged 50 plus to qualify with the training being undertaken by RMIT University.
COTA Victoria program manager, Wennie van Riet said with the unemployment impact of COVID-19, the program is focussed on areas with a high level of unemployment.
“Older workers in today’s harsh economic times often find the job search is loaded against them resulting in job searches taking three times longer than employment searches for younger people.”
COTA Victoria CEO, Tina Hogarth-Clarke said the program is designed to provide training that addresses barriers to employment, including suitable work skills, lack of financial management skills, and lack of resilience. The program also provides extended support to help people into sustainable employment.
“The project is supported by the Try, Test and Learn Fund – an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Social Services.”
“Other support includes mental health support, personal development and health maintenance, orientation to contemporary work including career path advice, preparing CV’s, interview techniques, information on current employment market and workplace.”
Participants on the program will receive support to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) (CHC33015). The certificate will be delivered by RMIT University with a new curriculum co-designed by industry experts and people with lived experience in requiring care due to ageing or disability). The course will be provided over 12 months including 150 hours work placement program.
The program aims to increase employment outcomes for older Australians through accredited training and job placement in the aged care and disability services sector, supporting older people and people with disabilities in the community.
Ms Hogarth-Clarke said COTA Victoria would be working closely with Brimbank City, Melton and Bacchus Marsh councils with arrangements being made for briefings and workshops in mid-2020 for participants.
Register your interest in the program online. Or for more information, contact Reach, Train, Employ Project Officer Shirley Carlos directly on mobile 0409 626 459 or via email scarlos@cotavic.org.au.
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Special Projects, COTA Victoria – Mobile: 0417 329 201
Project Information
Reach
Reach and support at least 50 unemployed or underemployed people over the age of 50. Participants need to meet the income test for Newstart, are eligible for free TAFE and ordinarily reside in Brimbank or Melton areas of Melbourne (see LGA Profile for Brimbank).
Train
Pre-course training support and training will be provided by Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand (GSANZ). GSANZ’S Firmer Foundations program will be offered to participants when they commence the course. Support provided includes orientation for potential program participants around IT skills, use of internet and information on today’s workplace. Financial and other counselling will also be available for those who may be compromised by circumstances to increase their chances of participation. Other supports will include mental health support; personal development and health maintenance, orientation to contemporary work including career path advice, preparing CV’s, interview techniques, information on current employment market and workplace. GSANZ will support participants before, during and four months’ post completion of the course to assist with seeking employment.
Train participants in the Certificate III in Individual Support. RMIT will deliver the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability). The course will be provided over 12 months including 150 hours work placement program. RMIT will deliver training at a location accessible to the participants in Melton/Brimbank area. Training is delivered in combination of face-to-face and online study.
Employ
Students who complete the training will have a high probability to gain paid work through employment placements and employment brokerage. Support will be provided for those who do not immediately obtain work on course completion, including provision of further links into career advice and referral back to employment agencies within their communities. The community services agencies will ensure that participants who gain employment will receive ongoing support for 4 months as they begin their new employment.
