JobTrainer extended funding: everything you need to know

The pandemic has proved how deeply we rely on skilled care workers in Australia. The Australian Government’s JobTrainer scheme is intended to support existing care workers to access the resources and training they need, and to provide affordable access to training for first-time learners and those new to the sector.

As part of the 2021-22 Budget, the federal government pledged another $500 million to be matched by state and territory governments to extend the JobTrainer program until December 2022. Extending the JobTrainer scheme will help to address the ongoing demand for care workers and support a further 163 000 training places nationwide.

Changes to government initiatives like JobTrainer can be hard to follow, but don’t worry if you’re not sure what this means for you. Extra training places are now available, and below you’ll find all you need to know about how to take advantage of the latest extension to this scheme.

What is JobTrainer?

Getting people into the workforce is a priority, especially since the onset of the pandemic. The JobTrainer scheme is a funding initiative between Federal and state governments to do just this.

Job seekers and young people can take advantage of subsidised training to learn skills for jobs that are in demand now and predicted to rise in the future. Basically, this means that eligible individuals are able to access funding for approved courses with either low fees or none at all.

With the latest extension comes an important update to the JobTrainer scheme. Now, any eligible Australian resident who wishes to enrol in an aged care, disability care or early childhood education qualification can access a JobTrainer place – meaning that subsidised places are open not only to young people and those who are unemployed, but to anyone who is interested and meets the criteria regardless of age, employment status or prior qualifications.

State and Territory governments are responsible for deciding which courses and qualifications will be prioritised under the scheme, depending on which sectors are expected to have the highest growth. We are one of the Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) through which new learners can access courses. In Victoria, we’ve secured funding for courses in aged care and early childhood education and care.

Who is eligible for JobTrainer?

Under the new extension you are eligible to kick-start your career in a highly rewarding sector if you are:

Enrolling in an approved aged care, disability services, children’s services or a digital skills course

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen or an Asylum Seeker
• Have not used a JobTrainer funding position previously

OR

Enrolling in other approved courses

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen or an Asylum Seeker
• Have not used a JobTrainer funding position previously
• 17-24 years old when the course starts or
• A job seeker of any age who is unemployed or
• A job seeker of any age with a valid current Health Care, Pensioner Concession or Veterans Gold Card

To reiterate, if you are interested in accessing a place in one of the prioritised areas like aged care or children’s services, you can do so no matter how old you are, how long you’ve been working, whether you’ve studied before and whether you have any prior qualifications.

With these changes, now is the perfect time to look into enrolling in an eligible course.

Embark on a course for a rewarding career

Enrolling in a new course with the support of JobTrainer means that you can pursue a rewarding career at a low cost to you personally. With the most recent extension you may be eligible for funding whether you are just starting out in the workforce or looking at switching careers to work in a more meaningful sector.

There are a lot of courses and training providers out there, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Below, you’ll find out what’s involved if you choose to learn with us.

Early childhood education and care

Maybe you like the idea of work that doesn’t feel like work: if you can see yourself having fun while helping kids to learn and thrive, then a career in early childhood education and care might be perfectly suited to your individual goals and interests. Tailor your career to suit your lifestyle, use your interests and unique traits to become a great carer and educator, and have a positive impact on future generations. The benefits are endless!

Course options include:

• The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is your starting point and the minimum level requirement for child care workers in Australia. Use this course as a springboard to bloom and progress in the sector.
• The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care provides the training you need to become a lead educator or even Centre Director in centre based and family day cares. This qualification enables you to take your career to the next level by striving for leadership roles within the industry.

Aged care

A career in aged care is a career supporting the elderly to live healthy and fulfilling lives. If you’re wondering why you should work in the aged care sector, there are many compelling reasons. There has never been more demand for skilled and compassionate aged care workers, meaning that the sector offers rewarding work as well as great career prospects and opportunities. Know you have options and a successful career waiting for you when you complete your learning. At Selmar we have several streams available, as well as dedicated trainers and online study options. We’re here to support you to kickstart your career and make a meaningful contribution to society.

Course options include:

• The CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support provides a strong foundation for working as a personal care or residential care worker or home care assistant.
• The CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support is for people who are already working in aged care services, designed to provide further opportunities to progress in this booming industry.
• The CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health is workplace training in which you will learn to deliver health and lifestyle programs to promote wellbeing for elderly individuals.

Pursue a rewarding career with JobTrainer behind you

Working in aged care and early childhood education and care, you’ll see the enormous difference you make in both individuals lives and the health of broader communities. No matter who you are, JobTrainer makes it easier to access the training you need to enter these rewarding sectors.

With JobTrainer funding behind you and the support of our dedicated trainers, start your career with us today.