As part of the 2011 Budget, the Australian Government announced a new element of Experience+, the More Help for Mature Age Workers initiative.
The initiative is part of Building Australia’s Future Workforce – Skills to promote increased participation. Over the next three years, 7500 workers aged 50 years and over with trade relevant skills but no formal qualifications will have the opportunity to have their skills assessed and formally recognised.
The More Help for Mature Age Workers initiative, a complementary program to Experience+ Training, allows eligible employers to apply for
- reimbursement of costs associated with a skills assessment for a mature age worker capped at $2200 (including GST). The skills assessment will provide mature age workers with either a nationally recognised qualification or a statement of attainment in recognition of prior learning. This will allow them to identify gaps in their skills and enrol in training to meet the requirements of their trade.
- reimbursement for a further $2200 (including GST) for additional training (at Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level) as identified by the skills assessment, at the Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level, or an approved Training Package Skill Set for mature age workers with Certificate III.
Currently occupations generally classified by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) as Technicians and Trade Workers; Machinery Operators and Drivers and Labourers are being targeted by the More Help for Mature Age Workers initiative. More information on the ANZSCO classification structure can be found on the link below (in the contents section).
Priority industries targeted include the Construction, Manufacturing, Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services. The grant can also apply to small business owners who are in this age group and operate in the targeted industries.
Employers will cover any costs incurred above the allocated funding under this program. However where funding is in excess of skill assessment and training costs the employer can use the grant to cover expenses incurred in the administration of these activities.
Conditions apply; see the More Help for Mature Age Workers Guidelines and Application Form.
For more information or clarification of details, email experience@deewr.gov.au.
Experience+ Training
More Help for Mature Age Workers is a complementary program to Experience+ Training. For more information on Experience+ Training, go to Experience+ Training Guidelines and Application Form 2010-14.