The Skills Checkpoint Program is an initiative of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment designed to help individuals, aged between 45 and 70 years, access support and guidance when transitioning to new career opportunities, or upskilling advice for their current roles.

Over the course of four years, the Australian government will invest $17.4 million into the program, which will be accessible to both employers and individuals looking for support, career assessment and tailored career guidance, free of cost.

Participants can also access subsidised funding for courses, with a 50 per cent co-contribution on vocational courses (up to $2,200).

The program is delivered Australia-wide by leading employment and training providers, VERTO and BUSY at Work.

To be eligible, individuals must be:

• Aged between 45 and 70; and
• An Australian citizen or permanent resident; and
• Currently employed and at risk of entering the income support system, OR recently unemployed (less than nine consecutive months) and not registered for assistance through an Australian Government employment services provider. Please note that as of 3 August 2020, the Australian Government has extended the unemployment period from less than three months to less than nine months.

Participants must have completed a Skills Checkpoint assessment before being eligible for the training incentive.

The incentive is available till 30 June 2022 for up to 3,600 participants per year.

To apply or learn more about the Skills Checkpoint initiative HERE.

To find information on how to fill out the application form, click HERE.

Source: Department of Education, Skills and Employment | Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program

8 April 2021