Two new programs to support older workers in the ACT wishing to change careers have been unveiled by the Minister for Vocational Education and Training, Meegan Fitzharris.
The Minister said the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and Canberra Business Chamber (CBC) had been selected for the programs which aim to address barriers experienced by mature workers — people aged 45 years or older and apprentices aged 25 years or older — seeking to upskill or reskill.
Ms Fitzharris said the new funding was part of the Mature Workers Grants Program, and would result in $500,000 going towards supporting mature workers who wanted to take advantage of new work opportunities.
“The two innovative projects that will be delivered under this program are CIT’s Mature Jobseeker Supportproject and the CBC’s Mature Age Workers in Tourism project,” Ms Fitzharris said.
She said CIT would assist mature workers to overcome barriers to reskilling and upskilling by providing high-quality case management services, and provide access to tailored training opportunities and engagement with potential employers.
“The CBC will train and support employers to recruit and upskill mature workers in the tourism sector, supporting the placement of 40 mature workers in local businesses over two years,” the Minister said.
“Skill shortages are a major impediment to our thriving tourism sector and this project is well placed to have a significant impact on employer skills needs,” she said.
