What is the Access Program?
The Access Program provides vulnerable job seekers facing barriers to skilled employment with individualised pre-vocational training, job search and post-placement support. The Program helps participants find and keep an Australian Apprenticeship, other employment or further education.
How can the Access Program help me?
The Access Program will give you free*:
- job preparation,
- industry training,
- connections with actual employers,
- on-the-job support to help you settle in for your first 13 weeks,
- plenty of great jobs to choose from.
*for eligible participants.
How does the Access Program help me to get ready to work?
The Access Program is not just about training or a job, it’s about helping you develop your unique skills.
Training is one thing, but getting a job is another.
The Access Program will help bring it all together—it’s the difference between doing it all yourself or with the help of the Access Program.
Imagine being in control, being able to buy the things you can’t now, doing what you want to do. The Access Program can help you achieve your goals.
The Access Program is not just about doing an Australian Apprenticeship or Traineeship. It’s about giving you the skills you need to start building your future.
What can I expect?
You will:
- get help to become ‘job ready’,
- learn the qualities that an employer wants,
- receive nationally recognised training to give you the basic industry skills,
- learn how to write a good resume, look for jobs and prepare for interviews,
- get an opportunity to undertake workplace experience to try out your new skills,
- get an opportunity to be linked to local employers and industries.
Be amazed at what you can achieve!
Who provides the Access Program services?
The Access Program is delivered by local organisations known as Access Program providers. They know about local employment requirements and how to give you the type of training that is needed for a particular industry.
What do I have to do?
You will:
- have a genuine interest in the available course and the Apprenticeship/Traineeship it leads to,
- work with your Access Program provider to agree on the best plan to help you prepare for work or get the skills to look for work,
- willingly take part in training and other services your Access Program provider might offer you,
- make good use of the learning opportunities,
- willingly do things that will help you look for and get work.
What does it cost?
The Access Program is funded by the Australian Government and is free if you are eligible.
How do I know if I am eligible?
You must be a registered job seeker who:
- meets at least one of a number of conditions, for example: a person who has been registered with Centrelink or Job Services Australia as unemployed for three months or more at the commencement of the pre-vocational training course, an early school leaver, a person with disability or a sole parent or sole guardian receiving a Parenting Payment (Single) (see also the Access Program Eligibility Criteria),
- has been referred by a Youth Connections provider or a Disability Employment Services provider or a Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) officer.
Want more detail?
While on the Access Program, participants receive:
- 150 hours of nationally recognised pre-vocational training in an Australian Apprenticeships pathway generally to a statement of attainment level (at minimum),
- up to 13 weeks job search support, including skills to help you write a resume, identify and make contact with employers, match you with an employer, preparation for interviews etc,
- at least 13 weeks of individualised support to both you and your employer to help you both settle into your new working partnership, and
- advocacy and pastoral care.
For more information, see the Australian Apprenticeships Access Program Guidelines.
How can I find out more?
Contact your local Centrelink Office or Job Services Australia provider about Access Program courses planned for your local area.