Understanding how you can benefit from JobTrainer

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

The federal and state governments JobTrainer gunding initiative has been extended until 31 December 2022 with the Australian Government committing $500 million.

As a COVID-19 economic response, the government previously introduced initiatives such as JobKeeper and JobSeeker, then JobMaker and finally Jobtrainer. With such a successful response to Jobtrainer, the extension of the initiative will support about 463 000 training places nationally.

It can be hard to keep track of what is offered and what you might be eligible for, so in this article we explore the ins and outs of JobTrainer. Find out what is on offer, when it is available and who might be eligible to reap the rewards of this funding initiative.

JobTrainer: equipping young Australians with skills and jobs

JobTrainer focuses on getting young Australians aged between 17 – 24 years old and those of any age who are employed equipped with skills, qualifications and careers. The funding initiatives sees the federal and state governments teaming up to subsidise training costs, enabling eligible individuals to take on further study with either low-fee or no fee at all.

The JobTrainer funding will cover accredited certificates, diplomas and skills sets as per an agreed list of qualifications which have been chosen due to their anticipated employment growth. By doing this, those who train under the JobTrainer funding initiative have a better chance of gaining qualifications in a role that will have excellent job prospects now and in the future.

There are prioritised qualifications listed on the Jobtrainer Funded Programs Report that allows students reviously unable to access Jobtrainer funding, now eligible. Please refer to courses listed later in this article for more information.

Training places under JobTrainer are available now, meaning eligible individuals can already access the free or low-fee training in areas that have been identified as in need of skilled workers. Sectors like early childhood education and healthcare are included, requiring individuals who have pursued high quality training to meet demand. Courses in these areas can be accessed through selected RTOs (Registered Training Organisations), including here at Practical Outcomes.

The benefits of JobTrainer and who it is for

If you are a younger person, older and a Jobseeker, have just left school, or requiring new skills for re-employment, taking advantage of JobTrainer is a great opportunity to make a start toward a career in a booming sector.

You may be able to access a free or low-fee course via JobTrainer if you:

• Has not already completed an AQF qualification under JobTrainer previously
• Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, New Zealand citizen or asylum seeker, and
• You are between 17 and 24 years old when your course commences; or
• You are a job seeker of any age. A job seeker is defined as a person who holds a current Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran’s Gold Card or is unemployed; or
• Enrolling into a priority program listed in the JobTrainer Funded Program Report.

And don’t be put off if you weren’t eligible for previous Government funding. This doesn’t mean that you won’t fulfil the criteria to be eligible for JobTrainer — even if you have previous qualifications. JobTrainer does not have the ‘two at a level in a lifetime’ limit like other funding initiatives. For example, if you already completed a VET certificate as part of your secondary schooling, or a school-based traineeship you may still be eligible to undertake further study with the support of JobTrainer. There are also no upskilling requirements, so it could be the right time to pursue an entirely fresh career.

Take a look at the full eligibility document here, but feel free to contact our team to discuss whether JobTrainer might benefit you.

As well as benefitting school-leavers and those who are currently unemployed, JobTrainer funding offers subsidies that cover half of the wage of eligible trainees to the workplaces who employ them. Importantly, employers do not need to have reduced turnover in their business to be eligible, unlike JobKeeper, and the subsidy is available to workplaces with up to 200 employees. These subsidies encourage businesses to employ and retain more trainees and shape a highly skilled workforce.

Taking advantage of JobTrainer courses

With JobTrainer backing you, you can pursue a meaningful career in early childhood education, supporting children in getting the very best start in life.

If you are keen to earn and learn at the same time, a traineeship could be the way to go — this means you can study while working, learning on the job and applying your theory as you proceed through your chosen qualification.

There are online study options available for courses too, meaning you can adapt your training to your existing commitments. Practical placement is also included to ensure you gain the confidence and capabilities required to succeed in your chosen field regardless of the delivery mode you choose.

Early Childhood Education and Care course options include:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121): Perfect to get you started in a career as an early childhood educator, with ample room to grow and progress in this meaningful sector.
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121): Strive toward a career as a Room Leader in early childhood services or kindergarten and even a centre Director position with the Diploma. There’s also a university pathway to a Bachelor Degree in Education (Early childhood or primary) with Swinburne Online.

Seek out a meaningful career supported by JobTrainer

By gaining qualifications in early childhood education, you can pursue a career that enables you to make a valuable difference to the lives of others each and every day. With the support of JobTrainer funding and our supportive trainers, commence a fulfilling career in early childhood education with Practical Outcomes.

To learn more about JobTrainer and whether you are eligible, contact us today.