COTA Victoria is leading a new innovative project to support jobseekers 50 years and over into paid work. Participants in the Reach, Train, Employ project are supported to re-skill and find paid work. The project focuses on providing training to get jobs in the aged care and disability sectors, to meet a growing demand of more than 17,000 new jobs in Victoria by 2023. The project is open to jobseekers who are 50 years and older and living in Brimbank or Melton areas of Melbourne.
Who will deliver the Reach, Train, Employ project?
The project is delivered by COTA Victoria, in partnership with the RMIT School of Vocational Design and Social Context, Future Social Services Institute (FSSI) at RMIT University and Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand (GSANZ). The project is supported by the Try, Test and Learn Fund – an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
What’s involved?
Reach, Train, Employ will have a strong focus on supporting older job seekers into the workforce. Participants 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 brand new curriculum co-designed by industry experts and people with lived experience. The Certificate III includes 150 hrs of student placement across Aged care and Disability facilities.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) Curriculum:
C3402 Core Units:
- Communicate and work in health or community services (CHCCOM005)
- Work legally and ethically (CHCLEG001)
- Work with diverse people (CHCDIV001)
- Follow safe work practices for direct client care (HLTWHS002)
- Provide individualised support (CHCCCS015)
- Support independence and wellbeing (CHCCCS023)
- Recognise healthy body systems (HLTAAP001)
C3402 Group A – Ageing Specialisation Units:
- Meet personal support needs (CHCCCS011)
- Facilitate the empowerment of older people (CHCAGE001)
- Provide support to people living with dementia (CHCAGE005)
C3402 Group B – Disability Specialisation Units:
- Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach (CHCDIS001)
- Support community participation and social inclusion (CHCDIS003)
- Follow established person-centred behaviour supports (CHCDIS002)
- Facilitate the empowerment of people with disability (CHCDIS007)
What other supports are available?
The Reach, Train, Employ project is a highly supportive program for older job seekers. The project does not just include the delivery of the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), it also includes life coach support from Good Shepherd Australia & New Zealand. The life coach will provide you with a free 4-week course in Financial Capability and Life Coach Course to support your learning and address some of the barriers you might be facing. Some of our additional supports for participants in the project include:
- career guidance
- employment assistance through resume writing, interview techniques and understanding the employment market
- enhancing IT and digital literacy
- providing financial counselling
- mental health and well-being support
- assisting with student and employment placements
- providing personal support.
Who can join?
You can join Reach, Train, Employ if you are:
- over 50 years of age
- currently unemployed or underemployed and looking for work
- interested in working in the aged care and disability sector
- living in Brimbank, Melton or Bacchus Marsh areas of Melbourne
- eligible for free TAFE.
What are the costs?
Project participants will be offered the course at 100 per cent free tuition and no other student fees – even if you already have higher qualifications (subject to SkillsFirst priority course exemptions and Victorian Free TAFE funding). Plus, first aid qualifications and a police check are included at no extra cost.
What are the impacts of COVID-19 on the project?
Participants in the project will be engaged via face-to-face classroom learning, online modules and practical learning through practical assessments and student placements. In the current environment there are social distancing protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In this environment we will be focusing on the online modules and focus our classroom learning in a digital environment to ensure the safety of both our project participants and the wider community. Once it is safe for us to do so and following government protocols, we will continue to meet up in face-to-face classrooms and continue on the practical assessments and student placements.
Feedback from former and current students
“My time at RMIT has been an enriching experience that I will treasure. I wanted something new in my life; something that was just for me. I cannot thank enough RMIT and the wonderful teachers and staff that supported me on my journey. You’ve given me a new lease on life.” Says Carmen, a 62 year old former RMIT student.
“Studying Cert 3 aged care and disability support has been enlightening for me. Studying with people from different cultures and lived experience. Studying at RMIT the lecturers being knowledgeable and supportive and at the right pace while I was working part time/ casual. I recommend this course to those wanting to work in the sector.” Says William, a 69 year old former RMIT student.
“RMIT has been very supportive in arranging enrollment and details of the course of study. I have 6 months to go hopefully and the would like to work in the disability area where the seems to be lots of opportunity and interesting work supported by the NDIS. The work seems to be very flexible either part time or full time and the centres I have attended in student placements have been very professionally run. I can only highly recommend the course, the work opportunities and the job satisfaction that come with working in the aged care and disability industries.” Says Max, a 69 year old current RMIT student.
For more testimonials, please read an interview with Carmen Scalia here.
How to express your interest in the project?
The program is no longer accepting expressions of interest as program applications have now closed.
Contact us
For more information, contact Shirley Carlos – Reach, Train, Employ Project Officer, directly on mobile 0409 626 459 or via email scarlos@cotavic.org.au