If you are a jobseeker looking for an Australian Apprenticeship or employment in a specific industry, the Access Program could be for you. SkillsPlus sub-contracts Access Program courses to a number of providers in Gippsland and South East Queensland. They offer a variety of courses specifically tailored to suit industry and jobseeker needs. Courses run for between 5 to 7 weeks for at least 20 hours per week. They include on the job training and personalised support. Some of these courses may be at a venue near you.
How can the Access Program help you?
The Access Program is a good way of getting training and support to help you get an Australian Apprenticeship, employment or return to study. We know it isn't easy to find work, but the more skills and support you have, the better your chances are of getting the job you want.
What sorts of industries and courses does the Access Program cover?
§ Hospitality
- Retail
- Office Administration
- Manufacturing
- Aged Care
- Community and Human Services
- Disability Services
- Trades and Construction
- Horticulture
- Automotive
- and many more
Eligibility
To be eligible for assistance under the Access Program, participants must meet at least one criterion from each of the following three categories:
Category 1 - Residency
A participant must be an Australian citizen, or the holder of a permanent Australian visa, or the holder of a New Zealand passport who has been resident in Australia for at least 6 months prior to commencing the program.
Category 2 - Registration
A participant must be one of the following:
- a registered job seeker;
- referred by a Youth Connections provider, Disability Employment Service (DES) provider, or a Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) officer;
- eligible for Youth Allowance
Category 3 - Personal Circumstances
A participant must be at least one of the following:
§ a person who left school prior to the completion of Year 12;
§ a person who is referred by a Youth Connections provider;
§ an 'at risk' Year 12 school leaver;
§ an Indigenous Australian;
§ an Australian born descendent of a South Sea Islander;
§ a person who has been registered with Centrelink or Job Services Australia as unemployed for three months or more at the commencement of the pre-vocational training course;
§ a self-disclosed ex-offender (excluding current inmates);
§ a homeless person;
§ a person with a disability or disabilities;
§ a sole parent or guardian receiving a Parenting Payment at the single rate (PPS);
§ a person aged 45 to 64 years at the commencement of the pre-vocational training course;
§ a person who has been referred during or after undertaking the DEEWR-funded Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP);
Access Program Benefits
§ Assists participants to work out what they need so they are "job ready" and kept on track with their goals.
§ Trains participants in basic skills needed for a particular industry. Training is nationally recognised and linked to an Australian Apprenticeship pathway.
§ Includes "on the job" work experience.
§ Supports participants while they are looking for work by helping them with such things as working out the best job opportunities, writing a good CV and preparing for interviews.
§ Provides support to keep them going if things get tough while they are looking for work.
§ Help with settling in during the first 13 weeks of their Australian Apprenticeship or job.
What does it cost?
The Access Program is free for all eligible job seekers.
Australian Apprenticeships
Visit the Australian Government website for Australian Apprenticeships Centres www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au for more information. (This website may be subject to change).
For further information
Check the Access Program website http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/PreVoc/AAAP or call 13 38 73 for further information.