- Why should I get a vocational education and training VET qualification?
- Who can get a VET qualification?
- Is training an option for mature-age people?
- Do I need to pass an exam or have a certain level of education to get into training?
- I didn’t do well at school and I didn’t enjoy it. Is training likely to be the same experience?
- I’m looking to upgrade my skills. How do I know that the training I do will be current?
- Where can I get a qualification?
- How long will it take to get a qualification?
- Who provides the courses?
- How do I find a training provider?
- How much does it cost to get a qualification?
- Is assistance available to help pay for my training?
- Can I claim my training as a tax deduction?
- How do I choose a training provider?
- Can training be flexible?
- What if I move, can I pick up my training in another state or territory?
- Is an Australian Apprenticeship for me?
- How do I start an Australian Apprenticeship?
- I’d like to go to university but can I try a short course first to make sure it’s the right decision?
- How do I get my skills or prior learning formally recognised as a qualification?
- Should I train in an area that is experiencing a skills shortage?
- Is advice available to help me work out which career suits my interests?
- Why are literacy and numeracy skills so important?
- I would like to develop my reading and writing skills, where do I start?
- Can I do training through my workplace?
- Is assistance available to my employer to help me get a qualification?
- Is there any assistance for people with special needs?
- Is training just for people who want to learn a trade?
1. Why should I get a vocational education and training VET qualification?
A VET qualification not only improves your chances of gaining long-term employment, it also means you are likely to earn more money.
In addition, nationally-recognised qualifications are flexible enough to meet your special needs. Each qualification has been designed by the industry that uses it, so you'll learn skills that are relevant and valuable. Qualifications are built around core competencies, but with the ability to select electives you can tailor a qualification to your interests, or perhaps to the special requirements of a job.
It's not only the qualification you get, it's the pathways offered to you by Australia's VET system that offer many advantages. The qualifications offered in Australia's national industry training packages provide clear pathways to higher levels of qualifications. For example, if you have a Certificate IV in your field you could advance your career by doing a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. And while your qualifications will be recognised Australia-wide, the VET system also makes things easier for you if you need to move during your training. You'll find many RTOs offering the same qualification, which should make transferring your studies from the point you had reached straightforward.
Just as important as the training pathways of the VET system are its links to industry. Registered training organisations (RTOs) stay closely in touch with the businesses that have an interest in the training being provided. Many RTOs are connected to local industry and may be able to provide contacts in the industry you'd like to work in.
2. Who can get a VET qualification?
Anyone.
There are at least 1.8 million adults currently enrolled in VET in Australia. They include people taking their first steps back into learning since leaving school, people improving their literacy skills, others who are working their way through an apprenticeship, through to people learning to be para-professionals, such as laboratory technicians, and university graduates who are taking VET courses to give them some specific, practical skills, such as project management, or even as a springboard to a career change.
It's not only what you can learn – it's how you can learn that makes VET something that everyone can participate in. Australia's VET system caters for all types of learners - often people are very successful in their training even though they didn't do well at school. Training is about learning practical, hands-on skills or competencies, so your academic record is not as important as your motivation and desire to learn.
3. Is training an option for mature-age people?
Age is no barrier to learning in Australia’s national training system. In fact, many of the courses are designed around the needs of mature-age workers with family and job responsibilities, giving you flexibility to choose how, when and where you train. It’s never too late to learn.
Australia’s national training system gives everyone a fair go, with achievable, high-quality qualifications. With training you’ll also have the opportunity to get early recognition of your skills and rapid career progress.
The beauty of Australia’s national training system is that you can up-skill or re-skill at any age, even if you’ve had a long absence from the workforce. And the training you’re getting is current. Australia’s national industry Training Packages are designed by industry and continually updated to ensure that our national training system always meets industry needs. This means you learn up-to-date skills to keep you out front in your current job, or which could give you a competitive edge if you make a career move.
Another benefit is that mature-age learners may get recognition for skills they have learned in life or on-the-job. Recognition of Prior Learning may make it quicker to get the training and qualifications you need to get ahead or change direction in your career.
There are many government initiatives to help mature-aged workers to develop new skills and find rewarding work in an interesting field.
Career Advice Line
Job seekers and workers aged 45 years and over can access free professional career advice anywhere in Australia by calling 13 17 64 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
Career Guide
This guide has been developed to help mature-age workers and job seekers make an informed decision about the next stage of their careers.
More Help for Mature-Age Workers
Employers of mature-age workers aged 50 and over with trade-relevant skills but no formal qualifications can apply for grants up to $4400 (includes GST) to have their skills assessed and formally recognised. Details are available in the More Help for Mature Age Workers Guidelines on the Experience+ website, or by calling 13 17 64.
Experience+ Training
Employers of mature-age workers aged 50 and over can apply for grants of $4950 (includes GST) to provide training so senior workers can supervise or mentor an apprentice or trainee.
Details are available in the Experience+ Training Guidelines on the Experience+ website, or by calling 13 17 64.
On-the-job Support
If you are 50 years and over and you have a health condition, injury or disability that is placing your job at risk, you may be able to access tailored, face-to-face support and training to help you keep your job. Click here to view the web site
4. Do I need to pass an exam or have a certain level of education to get into training?
The national training system provides qualifications starting at Certificate I and going on to Advanced Diplomas and Vocational Graduate Diplomas. Often there are no special entry requirements but you should check with the registered training organisation to be sure.
5. I didn't do well at school and I didn't enjoy it. Is training likely to be the same experience?
Many people have done really well in their training even though they didn't do well in the school system. Training is usually very practical, using work-related scenarios that make sense to adults, so how you did at school is not as important as your enthusiasm to learn
6. I'm looking to upgrade my skills. How do I know that the training I do will be current?
Australia's VET qualifications are designed in partnership with industry. They also continually updated to ensure that training meets industry needs.
7. Where can I get a qualification?
In Australia, adults can gain qualifications in the school, VET and higher education sectors. Many schools offer VET qualifications in addition to their school certificates, either as RTOs themselves or in partnership with other RTOs.
The following list shows the types of qualifications that might commonly be offered by providers in the different sectors:
Schools
Senior Secondary Certificates of Education, plus (through RTO arrangements) Certificate I, Certificate II and Certificate III
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Vocational Graduate Diploma, Vocational Graduate Certificate, Advanced Diploma*, Diploma*, Certificate IV, Certificate III, Certificate II, Certificate I
Higher education
Doctoral Degree, Masters Degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Bachelor Degree with Honours, Bachelor Degree, Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma*, Diploma*
*Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas can be delivered both by RTOs and higher education providers. They are approved by different processes in each sector.
8. How long will it take to get a qualification?
The time it takes to complete your qualification will depend on many things, including whether you already have some skills and knowledge from previous study or working in the industry, whether you are studying full-time or part-time, as well as the qualification you’re working towards. The amount of relevant work experience you gain while training will also affect the duration. You might gain this through an Australian Apprenticeship, most commonly at Certificates III or IV level, although sometimes Australian Apprenticeships are available at all levels from Certificates II to Advanced Diploma.
If you’re not undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship, you often still need to gain some experience of the workplace through work placements, either on a regular basis or in a larger block of time. Different RTOs have different arrangements for these, but you should always make the most of them, because employers value employees who begin work with a reasonable understanding of the way their workplace operates.
At each successive qualification level, there is generally an increasing requirement for technical skills, theoretical knowledge and level of responsibility in the job role associated with the qualification. Roles vary widely, but to illustrate the difference, below are some examples of occupations at each level, and the normal duration of the qualification:
Certificate I
The purpose of the Certificate I qualification type is to qualify individuals with basic functional knowledge and skills to undertake work, further learning and community involvement.
Normal duration: Six months – one year full time.
Certificate II
Builder’s labourer, tiler’s assistance, data processing and application support officer, sales clerk, EMS first responder.
Normal duration: Six months – one year full time.
Certificate III
Bricklayer, tiler, carpenter, accounts clerk, physiotherapy assistant, help desk officer.
Normal duration: Typically one – two years full time. Up to four years may be required to achieve the learning outcomes through a program of combined training and employment, such as an apprenticeship.
Certificate IV
Building manager, building estimator, book keeper, ambulance attendant, help desk specialist.
Normal duration: Six months – two years full time. There may be variations between short duration specialist qualifications that build on knowledge and skills already acquired and longer duration qualifications that are designed as entry level requirements for work.
Diploma
Construction manager, credit manager, ambulance paramedic, ICT project manager.
Normal duration: One - two years full time.
Advanced Diploma
Accountant, Intensive care paramedic, ICT security specialist.
Normal duration: One and a half - two years fulltime.
9.Who provides the courses?
Registered training organisations (RTOs) are government-approved to provide nationally recognised training and qualifications that meet strict guidelines set out by the Australian Quality Training Framework. RTOs can include TAFEs, private training providers, adult education colleges, industry organisations and agricultural colleges. Universities and schools are often also registered as RTOs so that they can offer nationally recognised vocational education and training as well as their university or school education.
Training is delivered via a range of RTOs:
TAFEs, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics
Public registered training organisations (RTOs) are major providers of vocational education and training (VET). They may have different names around Australia, including TAFEs, Institutes of Technology and Polytechincs. Many public providers deliver a broad range of qualifications in terms of both content and level, from technical, including trades and paraprofessional, to creative arts and administrative areas. Most training delivered by public providers involves nationally recognised training but they may also offer labour market courses, entry and bridging courses, and adult and community education classes.
Private training providers
There are around 5000 private RTOs offering nationally recognised training in Australia. They may provide a broad or a more focused range of qualifications. Some RTOS provide specialised training, often to meet specific industry needs and they will may include business and secretarial colleges, computer training centres and industry-based training centres. They provide all levels of VET in a range of fields.
Ask providers for more information
Contact your public or private provider. and ask to speak to their course adviser or counsellor. Search for an RTO.
Higher education sector
Universities
Universities offer a wide range of courses, some of which lead to specific occupations such as medicine, nursing or engineering. Other courses such as arts or science degrees are more general. Universities offer study at undergraduate level (diploma, advanced diploma and bachelor degree) and postgraduate level (graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree and doctoral degree). Universities also run bridging and tertiary preparation courses, which help students to prepare for bachelor degrees.
You can apply to your chosen university through normal entry (senior secondary school qualifications), special/alternative entry or advanced standing entry (credit transfer or credit for prior learning). In most states and territories, and for most courses, applications are processed through a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC).
Application forms for the next calendar year should be available from August onwards and it is advisable to apply before November. Many universities also allow students to enrol midway through the year. There may be some charges associated with late applications. Contact individual universities and TACs for further advice. Search for a university.
Other registered higher education institutes
A number of public and privately operated institutions offer higher education awards ranging from diplomas to doctoral degrees, accredited by a state or territory government. Many of these institutions focus on studies in particular areas such as business, psychology or fine arts. This includes a small number of TAFE institutes that are accredited to also offer higher education courses in selected fields of study.
Before enrolling in a course at a registered higher education provider, you should ensure that the institution and its courses are properly accredited by the relevant government department or authority. For further information, see ‘ how do I choose a training provider?’.
10. How do I find a training provider?
There are a number of useful resources that can help you decide what training is right for you, and which VET providers offer that qualification.
myfuture
myfuture is an online career service designed to help you explore and plan your career. myfuture has a personal career exploration and decision-making tool and provides information about occupations, scholarships, study and training options. You can search for a Registered Training Organisation or course in your state or territory. www.myfuture.edu.au
State and territory training portals
State and territory governments all have training authorities that are responsible for vocational education and training in their region.
Each state and territory has its own training portal that provides information on a range of topics including VET options, courses and providers and financial support and incentives.
NSW or You Tube or call State Training Services 13 28 11 (NSW only) or email sts@det.nsw.edu.au
VIC or call TAFE course line 131 823
QLD or call Training Queensland 1300 369 935
NT or call Vocational Education and Training (08) 8901 1357
WA or call Department of Training and Workforce Development (08) 6551 5000 or Career Centre 13 23 98
SA and www.skills.sa.gov.au or call (08) 8463 5548
TAS or call Skills Tasmania 1800 655 846
ACT or call Training and Tertiary Education Branch (02) 6205 8555
Adult and Community Education
Adult and Community Education (ACE) offers a diverse range of programs and activities including nationally recognised training. ACE providers are a great start back into learning for those who haven’t studied for some time, or who might have left school early.
Visit the links below to search for ACE options in your state or territory:
The Reading Writing Hotline
The Reading Writing Hotline consultants can talk to you about your reading, writing, spelling or math needs and give you details of adult literacy and numeracy classes available in your area. If there are no suitable classes available locally the hotline consultant can tell you how to get support by distance delivery. We can also help you:
- get support with your learning if you are a trainee or an apprentice
- get information about workplace language and literacy programs.
If you would like to help others with literacy, we can give you information on how to become a volunteer adult literacy tutor.
Call the Reading Writing Hotline on 1300 655 506.
11. How much does it cost to get a qualification?
The cost of study depends on a number of factors including the cost of course fees, materials and text books, transport and living expenses. The Australian Government provides financial assistance to help eligible students through a number of programs like Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Austudy, the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program, Indigenous Cadetship Support and the Living Away from Home Allowance.
The Government contributes towards the cost of study for domestic higher education students by funding Commonwealth supported places. The Government also offers the HECS-HELP loans to assist students pay the remainder of their student contributions.
Other loans can help fee paying students (not Commonwealth supported students) to study now and pay later. FEE-HELP is a Government loan scheme that helps eligible fee paying higher education students to pay their tuition fees and VET FEE-HELP assists vocational education and training (VET) students pay their tuition fees.
See going to uni to find out more about Commonwealth supported places and Higher Education loans.
More information about VET FEE-HELP is available at VET FEE-HELP ..
Many people studying may also be eligible for student concessions and scholarships.
VET
For information on specific course fees you need to contact the relevant registered training organisation (RTO).
Course fees can vary greatly between institutions, with each setting its own fee levels. You also need to consider that some courses, such as fashion design, photography and art, have additional charges for course materials. Most TAFEs also charge amenities and service fees.
The Australian Government offers financial support through programs like Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Austudy, VET FEE-HELP, FEE-HELP, the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program, Indigenous Cadetship Support and the Living Away from Home Allowance.
State and territory governments also offer programs that may subsidise tuition costs, help with travel, accommodation, tutors, mentors, translators, essential tools and protective equipment for eligible students.
VET FEE-HELP assists eligible students, undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications at the diploma level and above at an approved VET provider, to pay their tuition fees. VET FEE-HELP covers the cost of your tuition fees through a loan that you don’t need to start paying back until you are employed and earning a certain level of income. Ask your training provider if they offer VET FEE-HELP. Ninety RTOs currently offer VET fee help. More information about VET FEE-HELP can be found at:
Your registered training organisation, state or territory training authority, local Australian Apprenticeships Centre or Centrelink can advise you further on where you can get financial support and any conditions that apply.
See Centrelink for more information on assistance that may be available to you.
University
For university students there is the Government’s Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) to pay your tuition costs. The GoingtoUni website provides further information and eligibility requirements for the HELP schemes.
Other examples of financial assistance that you may qualify for are Austudy, ABSTUDY or Fares Allowance. Centrelink provides further information and eligibility requirements for these benefits.
Course Finder
There is a range of courses available at university and the fees vary significantly. For accurate information on higher education tuition costs contact the higher education provider. Alternatively you can search for a training course
The HELP scheme assists eligible students to study now and pay their tuition costs later. You repay the loan through the tax system once your income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.
Although Commonwealth supported places are partially subsidised by the Australian Government, students also have to pay a “student contribution” for their units of study. If you are an eligible, Commonwealth-supported student you can pay your student contribution by taking out a HECS-HELP loan or you can receive a discount for up-front payments. See going to uni to find out more.
If you enrol as a fee paying student (i.e. not a Commonwealth supported student) you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan. FEE-HELP assists you to pay part or all of your tuition fees up to the lifetime FEE-HELP limit. See going to uni to find out more.
Assistance with living costs
There is a diverse range of support you may be eligible for to alleviate living costs while studying.
Visit Centrelink or phone 13 24 90 for further eligibility and benefit details.
You can also find specialised support units or services at most universities and TAFE colleges. These include counselling services, support officers for people with a disability, support for people from a non-English speaking background and special help with reading, writing and numeracy skills.
There is also help for people with special needs and people from non-English speaking backgrounds. The Australian Apprenticeships Access Program helps vulnerable job seekers find and keep an apprenticeship by providing pre-vocational training, job search and post-placement support. Your registered training organisation or your state or territory training authority, a local Australian Apprenticeships Centre or Centrelink can advise you further on where you can get the help you need and any conditions that apply.
12. Is assistance available to help pay for my training?
The Australian Government offers financial support through programs such as Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Austudy, VET FEE-HELP, the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program, Indigenous Cadetship Support and the Living Away from Home Allowance.
State and territory governments also offer programs that may subsidise tuition costs, help with travel, accommodation, tutors, mentors, translators, essential tools and protective equipment.
Your registered training organisation or your state or territory training authority, a local Australian Apprenticeships Centre or Centrelink will be able to advise you further on where you can get the help you need and any conditions that apply.
VET FEE-HELP is available to assist eligible students undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications at diploma level and above, at an approved VET provider, to pay their tuition fees. VET FEE HELP covers the cost of your tuition fees through a loan that you don’t need to start paying back until you are employed and earning a certain level of income. You repay the loan through the tax system once your income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.
Ask your training provider if they offer VET FEE-HELP or find out more information about VET FEE-HELP at the VET FEE-HELP web site..
There is a diverse range of support and assistance you may be eligible for to alleviate living costs while studying.
Visit Centrelink or phone 13 24 90 for further eligibility and benefit details.
13. Can I claim my training as a tax deduction?
If you are earning an income, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may recognise your training as a work-related expense and allow you to deduct these expenses from your taxes. For further information and to determine eligibility visit the ATO website.
14. How do I choose a training provider?
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) comply with national quality standards. An RTO can be a TAFE, a private training provider or a community organisation. Universities, schools and sometimes even your workplace can also be an RTO.
You might want to find two or three RTOs in your area that provide the qualification you are looking for and then compare what services they provide. Even if there aren't any RTOs in your area, many offer online or distance learning.
This checklist may be helpful when talking to RTOs. PDF RTF
15. Can training be flexible?
With more than 4000 registered training organisations (RTOs) in Australia, many make a point of designing training to fit around your work, family obligations and learning preferences. Ask RTOs about flexible hours, evening courses, self-paced learning and remote or online training.
16. What if I move, can I pick up my training in another state or territory?
If you are undertaking training with an RTO, not only are your qualifications recognised Australia-wide but if you need to move you can transfer your studies to another new RTO. You can take a break and come back to training at any age or stage. At any point you also have the flexibility of completing anything from just one unit of competency to a complete course. The national training system provides clear pathways to higher qualifications for many occupations and industries.
17. Is an Australian Apprenticeship for me?
Australian Apprenticeships encompass all apprenticeships and traineeships. They combine time at work with training and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.
If you are looking for a job where you can earn while you learn, do satisfying and challenging work, establish a well-paying career, be self-employed or teach, then an apprenticeship or traineeship may be for you. An Australian Apprenticeship is where an individual is employed in a traditional, paid working arrangement with an employer but is also paid to learn with the protection of a formal agreement. The individual and employer sign a binding Training Contract that details the legal obligations of the employer and the Australian Apprentice over the course of the Australian Apprenticeship.
Through an Australian Apprenticeship, an individual develops the skills and experience required in their occupation. On successful completion of an Australian Apprenticeship, an individual receives a nationally recognised qualification.
Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age, regardless of their level of education, and can be completed full-time, part-time, or while still at school.
Australian Apprenticeships are available in more than 500 occupations across Australia, including the traditional trades as well as a diverse range of emerging careers.
Benefits of an Australian Apprenticeship:
- a great way to get a head start in a chosen career
- a pathway from school to work
- available on a full-time or part-time basis, or while you are still completing school (an Australian School-based Apprenticeship)
- a combination of paid work and structured training that can be on-the-job, off-the-job or a combination of both
- ‘competency based’, which means you can complete your training faster if you reach the required skill levels faster than planned
- existing skills and prior experience can be recognised and course credit granted potentially reducing formal training time (referred to as Recognition of Prior Learning)
- a way of obtaining a nationally recognised qualification that will provide the basis for further education and training over the course of your working life
- financial assistance is available to eligible Australian Apprentices.
For more information on Australian Apprenticeships, please visit the Australian Apprenticeships website or call the Australian Apprenticeships Referral Line on 13 38 73.
Find out in what occupations Australian Apprenticeships are available and follow links to job pathways and descriptions. www.aajobpathways.com.au
18. How do I start an Australian Apprenticeship?
Visit the Australian Apprenticeships website for a step-by-step guide to an Australian Apprenticeship pathway.
19. I’d like to go to university but can I try a short course first to make sure it’s the right decision?
That is a sensible idea and many universities will give you credit for the VET qualifications you have obtained, reducing the time it takes you to complete a university qualification.
You may wish to check if the university you’re interested in offers this service. You can get contact details from goingtouni.gov.au.
Open Universities Australia, and many universities offer units to prepare you for study with targeted courses to dust-off your study skills or offer you extra help if required. Visit the Open Universities Australia website http://www.open.edu.au/public/home, or follow up directly with the university you are interested in.
20. How do I get my skills or prior learning formally recognised as a qualification?
Within Australia’s national training system you can gain recognition for other learning and qualifications you may have done, as well as for those skills you’ve learnt informally or on-the-job. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a process used by registered training organisations (RTOs) to assess whether the skills and knowledge you already have count towards a nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment. Through RPL you may be able to shorten the length of time required for further training. In some cases, the outcome of your RPL process may even entitle you to be awarded a full qualification. If not, your RTO will advise you of what credit you are entitled to and what training you still need to do. To have your skills recognised you need to contact a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for a formal assessment.
21. Should I train in an area that is experiencing a skills shortage?
When thinking about a career direction it is important to consider a range of factors. Although demand for particular skills is useful to take into account, it is necessary to understand that the job market can change quickly and the skills in shortage today may not be in shortage when you have completed your training and are ready to look for a job. Choosing to study or train in an area that interests you and for which you have strengths will provide the best advantage when you are looking for work.
Skills shortages and subsequent demand for skilled workers do persist in some occupations and locations. To keep up to date with skill shortages in your state or territory go to Job Outlook.
22. Is advice available to help me work out which career suits my interests?
There are a number of useful resources to help you decide which qualification or career path might be right for you, based on your interests and experience.
Career tools
JobOutlook career quiz
This quiz will help you identify which type of work you most like doing. Each of the 15 questions lists six tasks that people do. Select the work you'd enjoy doing most, making sure to choose the task you prefer doing more than all the others in the group - no matter how qualified you are to do that job. Then select ‘See result’ to view the occupations you are most likely to enjoy or be good at.
You can then explore individual occupations and a range of information including likely job prospects, weekly earnings, qualification/s necessary and which training providers offer courses, and current job vacancies.
myfuture
myfuture is an online career service designed to help you explore and plan your career. myfuture has a personal career exploration and decision-making tool and provides information about occupations, scholarships, study and training options.
myfuture handy links:
Jobguide website
Job Guide describes more than 500 occupations and education and training requirements for each of those occupations. It also provides information on how you can plan your career, training pathways and finding a job.
Year 12 What Next website
Year 12 – what next? is an online resource with tips and ideas about exploring different career pathways and further education and training options. View the web site here
Mature age resources
Career Advice Line
Job seekers and workers aged 45 years and over can now access free professional career advice anywhere in Australia by calling 13 17 64 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
Career Guide
This guide has been developed to help mature-age workers and job seekers make an informed decision about the next stage of their careers.
23. Why are literacy and numeracy skills so important?
Language, literacy and numeracy skill are the foundation skills that help people to find and keep a job, to continue to learn and undertake formal training, and to participate fully in society.
24. I would like to develop my reading and writing skills, where do I start?
Lots of adults can’t read and write as well as they’d like to, but it’s never too late to learn. It’s easier than you think, call The Reading Writing Hotline on 1300 655 506.
25. Can I do training through my workplace?
You should talk to your employer. If the training is relevant to the business, your employer may be willing to help out. Some training requires you to already be working in the industry, or to have the opportunity to practice skills in a workplace setting, so an arrangement with your employer can be helpful.
Depending on your occupation, you may like to consider an Australian Apprenticeship. Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age, regardless of their level of education and can be completed full-time, part-time, or while still at school. Australian Apprenticeships are available in more than 500 occupations across Australia, including traditional trades and a diverse range of emerging careers.
For more information on Australian Apprenticeships, please visit the Australian Apprenticeships website or call the Australian Apprenticeships Referral Line on 13 38 73.
Find out in what occupations Australian Apprenticeships are available and follow links to job pathways and descriptions.
26. Is assistance available to my employer to help me get a qualification?
Regular training and learning opportunities are an investment that helps employees to prosper and develop their careers while giving employers a highly skilled workforce and a competitive advantage in the market.
Australia’s training system gives employers the opportunity to tailor their company’s training requirements around the needs of their business. Training is flexible and there are a number of financial incentives available to employers.
For more information on incentives that may be available to eligible employers of Australian Apprentices, please visit the Australian Apprenticeships website or call the Australian Apprenticeships Referral Line on 13 38 73.
National Workforce Development Fund
The National Workforce Development Fund (the Fund) allows eligible organisations to apply for funding to support the training of existing workers and new workers in areas of identified business and workforce development need. Government funding will be supplemented by a co-contribution from industry with the government contributing at higher levels for smaller businesses. To find out if your organisation is eligible and for more information on the Fund visit the National Workforce Development Fund website or call 13 38 73.
Critical Skills Investment Fund
The Critical Skills Investment Fund (CSIF) provides Australian Government co-funding for industry partnerships to provide training and employment opportunities in critical industry sectors. In 2011-12 the CSIF is targeting the resources, infrastructure, construction and renewable energy sectors. Funding is available for projects that train and place job seekers into vacant positions, and that up-skill existing workers to meet new business demands. Projects for funding are selected through competitive funding rounds. To find out if your organisation is eligible and for information on the Fund, visit the CSIF website.
Workplace English, Language and Literacy (WELL)
The Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Program helps your organisation train workers in English language, literacy and numeracy skills. It also focuses on helping Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) participants who need language, literacy and numeracy training. Funding is available on a competitive grants basis throughout the year.
FOR EMPLOYERS OF MATURE AGE WORKERS 50 and over
More Help for Mature-Age Workers
Employers of mature-age workers aged 50 and over with trade-relevant skills but no formal qualifications can apply for grants up to $4400 (includes GST) to have their skills assessed and formally recognised. Details are available in the More Help for Mature Age Workers Guidelines on the Experience+ website, or by calling 13 17 64.
Experience+ Training
Employers of mature-age workers aged 50 and over can apply for grants of $4950 (includes GST) to provide training so senior workers can supervise or mentor an apprentice or trainee.
Details are available in the Experience+ Training Guidelines on the Experience+ website, or by calling 13 17 64.
27. Is there any assistance for people with special needs?
There’s lots of help for people with special needs as well as Indigenous Australians and people from non-English speaking backgrounds. A registered training organisation or your state or territory training authority can also advise you further on special needs financial help. For Australian Apprenticeships, a local Australian Apprenticeships Centrewill be able to tell you about assistance that may be available for eligible Australian Apprentices.
28. Is training just for people who want to learn a trade?
No. Training is focused on practical skills and these are required in almost every field or job, not just traditional trades. Training is available in a wide range of career options – everything from rescue work, zoo-keeping, IT, fashion design, television and more.
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