Participants in the Reach, Train, Employ pilot project are supported to re-skill and find paid work in the aged care and disability sectors. Demand for workers is growing in these sectors, with more than 17,000 new jobs expected in Victoria by 2023.
Adapting to COVID-19
As of March 2020, 19 people had joined the project and started a Financial Capability and Life Coach pre-course, as well as the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability). To comply with physical distancing rules, delivery was moved to an online platform. Participants were supported to move online with digital literacy help and, where needed, iPads and home internet. We will shift to face-to-face and practical learning environments once this is possible.
We’ve also kicked off our first Advisory Committee, made up of local employers within the aged care and disability industry who will support and guide the pilot project. We’re talking with several aged care and disability service providers about how student placements might work during the COVID-19 crisis.
Registrations now open
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we’re keen to continue providing older people who are currently unemployed or underemployed with an opportunity to re-train and find employment in essential services. Registrations are now open for a second group of participants, who will join the project from July 2020. The project is open to jobseekers 50 years and older living in Brimbank, Melton or Bacchus Marsh.
Participants will be supported to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support – Ageing and Disability. Delivered by RMIT University, the Certificate uses a brand-new curriculum codesigned by industry experts and people with lived experience. Participants benefit from extensive support including access to a Life Coach from Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand (GSANZ); employment assistance such as resume writing, interview techniques and understanding the employment market; IT and digital literacy support; financial counselling; and employment placement support.
Reach, Train, Employ is delivered by COTA Victoria in partnership with the Future Social Services Institute (FSSI) at RMIT University and GSANZ. It’s supported by the Try, Test and Learn Fund, an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Interested in joining?
If you are a jobseeker and are interested in joining the project, please:
- register by completing the expression of interest form on our page, or
- contact the Reach Train Employ team on mobile 0409 626 459 or via email scarlos@cotavic.org.au
Interested in supporting the project?
If you’re an employer and you are keen to find out how to support our project participants, please contact team leader Wennie van Riet on mobile 0499 224 000 or via email wvan_riet@cotavic.org.au.
For more information:
- visit the COTA Victoria website, or
- contact the Reach Train Employ team on mobile 0499 224 000 or via email scarlos@cotavic.org.au
