The Department of Training and Workforce Development has announced that a mental health skill set available for workers to help their workmates with mental health concerns is to be fee-free for all students.
The Department said the free training was in response to industry demand for existing workers who had completed the additional training to assist and support clients experiencing mental health concerns, including those presenting with mental health or alcohol and drug-related conditions.
It said that with the COVID-19 pandemic increasing the need for mental health support in community services and the care sector, the Government was making the Integrating Mental Health Practice Job Ready Skill Set course fee-free for all students.
The Department said the course, previously only fee-free for under 25s, jobseekers and concession students, was now also free for non-concession students, including people aged 25 and over and existing workers, who could save almost $430 in course fees.
“The change, made in response to industry demand, will encourage workers who come under a non-concession category to access the training fee-free,” the Department said.
“The skill set, which consists of selected nationally accredited units focussing on mental health support, is designed to build the capacity of workforces to support clients with mental health and/or alcohol and other drugs conditions to provide support for vulnerable Western Australians.
“It teaches about responding to crisis situations, managing personal stress in the workplace and working with people from diverse backgrounds.”
The Department said the course would be free for all students, including existing workers looking to upskill.
“Completion of the units in the skill set may lead to further training opportunities in alcohol and other drugs; community services; disability; mental health; and youth work qualifications for those who are interested in further developing their skills in mental health support,” it said.
The two-page Integrating Mental Health Practice Job Ready Skill Set course flyer can be accessed at this PS News link.
