COTA Victoria’s Reach, Train, Employ project kicked off with 19 mature aged jobseekers in March 2020. Reach, Train, Employ targets unemployed mature workers aged 50 plus who qualify for training being delivered by RMIT University. The success of this first group of participants, who are busy hitting the books, prompted us to mount a new recruitment campaign and welcome a second group of jobseekers in July 2020. This month, Reach, Train, Employ was featured in The Senior newspaper, as well as local editions of the Star Weekly in Melton and Moorabool and Brimbank and North West.
The need
COTA Victoria project manager, Wennie van Riet, said ‘Older workers in today’s harsh economic climate often find the odds are stacked against them in the job search. They may have a hard time just getting to first base – the interview – meaning they miss out on the opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities. All in all, it can take mature workers three times longer than younger ones to find a job. This is a big loss because older workers’ life skills and diverse experience – including experience providing informal care – make them a great fit for aged care and disability support.’
What we’re doing
COTA Victoria CEO, Tina Hogarth-Clarke, said ‘With Reach, Train, Employ, we’re addressing barriers to employment, including low digital literacy and a lack of relevant work and financial management skills. The project provides extended support to address this disadvantage and help people find a job.
Part of the support package is the Good Shepherd Life Coach, who assists with strategies for positive mental health, personal development, physical health, orientation to contemporary work (including career path advice), resume preparation and interview techniques.’
Participants will complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) (CHC33015). Delivered by RMIT University, the certificate uses a new curriculum co-designed by industry experts and people with lived experience of needing care. The 12-month course includes 150 hours work placement.
The project aims to improve 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. The project is supported by the Try, Test and Learn Fund – an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Express your interest
Ms Hogarth-Clarke said COTA Victoria is working closely with Brimbank City, Melton and Bacchus Marsh councils with arrangements being made for briefings and workshops in mid-2020 for participants. See the Reach, Train, Employ page for further details and to express your interest.
For more information, contact Reach, Train, Employ Project Officer, Shirley Carlos, on mobile 0409 626 459 or via email scarlos@cotavic.org.au.