Government support for mature-aged ECEC professionals to identify transferable skills

Workers who are 45 years of age, or older, will receive support from the Federal Government to help them find work more efficiently under changes to the Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program which were announced yesterday. 

 

The announcement will be of interest to those employed in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector who have found themselves out of work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, or those who are looking to reposition themselves into working in a new career. 

 

Under the CTA program mature job seekers are supported with advice and training designed to improve their digital literacy, find job opportunities and identify transferable skills.

 

Federal Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash, said the program will be funded by an additional $41.7 million from early May until June 2022. This means that jobactive providers can more readily refer mature age job seekers into the program. 

 

“We know the CTA program is effective and is popular with participants and the facilitators who deliver it. We want to increase the number of people who can access it, particularly during these challenging economic times,” Ms Cash said.

 

“Establishing a separate funding source for this effective program will ensure even more mature age job seekers can build their confidence using different types of technology, like smartphones, tablets, apps, social media and computers.”

 

Through the CTA program, mature-age job seekers are empowered to build confidence and learn new skills. Participating in the program enables participants to become more competitive in their local labour market through a short form, targeted training. 

 

The training program will be made available online during the COVID-19 pandemic so that social distancing measures are adhered to, whilst also supporting those needing assistance.

 

More information about the new funding arrangements, which will be available until 30 June 2022, is available here.