If you are a jobseeker looking for an Australian Apprenticeship or employment in a specific  industry, the Access Programme could be for you. SkillsPlus sub-contracts Access Programme courses to a number of providers in Melbourne, Gippsland and 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 Programme help you?
The Access Programme 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 Programme 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 Programme, participants must meet at least one criterion from each of the following three categories:

Category 1 - Residency
A participant must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia, 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 programme.

Category 2 - Registration
A participant must be registered with Centrelink or a Job Services Australia provider as a jobseeker with the exception of those who have been referred by a:

• Jobs Pathway Programme (JPP) provider
• Youth Pathways (YP) Provider
• Partnership Outreach Education Model (POEM) provider
• Disability Employment Assistance (DEA) Provider
• Jobs Placement Employment and Training (JPET) provider
• Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) officer, or
• Indigenous Employment Centre (IEC) officer. 

Category 3 - Personal Circumstances
A participant must be at least one of the following: 

§     aged 15 years or older and assessed by Centrelink or a Job Services Australia as eligible for Intensive Support Customised Assistance

§     a person under 25 years of age who left school prior to the completion of Year 12 and/or is referred by a JPP, Youth Pathways, POEM or JPET provider

§     an 'at risk' Year 12 school leaver

§     an Indigenous Australian

§     an Australian born South Sea Islander

§     a person who has been registered with Centrelink or Job Services Australia as unemployed for one year or more at the commencement of the programme

§     a self-disclosed ex-offender (excluding current inmates)

§     a homeless person

§     a person with a disability or disabilities

§     a sole parent receiving Parenting Payment at the single rate (PPS)

§     a mature age worker aged 45 years and over

§     a person who has completed a DEST funded Language, Literacy and Numeracy training programme

 

Access Programme 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 Programme is free for all eligible job seekers.

Australian Apprenticeships
Visit the Australian Government website www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au for more information. (This website may be subject to change)

For further information
Check the Access Programme website https://accesstraining.dest.gov.au to see SkillsPlus' current list of providers and courses or call 13 38 73 for further information.