Kay

Kay worked in the mining industry in Darwin until she separated from her husband and returned to her home state of Tasmania with her children. She was experiencing some difficulties in finding work and had become deeply depressed, until her local Job Services Australia provider told her about an Australian Apprenticeships Access Program (Access Program) course in Aged Care delivered through a local Access Program training provider.

Kay had always wanted to work with older people, so she decided to take up the opportunity to develop some new skills and started the program in June 2010. She took part in a seven week pre-vocational training course, including a two week work placement at an Aged Care Centre in Strathhaven. Throughout the work placement, Kay was encouraged and supported by her provider, giving her the confidence and motivation she really needed during that time.
 
Kay’s employer was so impressed with her while she was on her work placement, and they encouraged her to apply for a position there. Following an interview, Kay got the great news that the organisation wanted to put her onto their casual roster to start work as soon as she had completed her final week of training. Kay completed the training part of the program and obtained a Statement of Attainment for eight units credit toward a Certificate III in Aged Care.  Kay also received support during the first 13 weeks of her job to help her settle in and become accustomed to her new working environment.

Kay’s managers continued to be impressed with her work and wanted to give her the opportunity to complete her qualification. Because they were not in a position to offer her permanent hours, they were unable to support her to finish her Certificate III qualification. However thanks to an opportunity for funding under the DEEWR Productivity Places Program; Kay was able to undertake a Certificate IV in Aged Care. Kay signed up to complete her Certificate IV with Work & Training as the Registered Training Organisation in December 2010, and is now progressing well with the higher level qualification.

Fifteen months since starting the Access Program, Kay continues to work on a casual basis at the Aged Care Centre, and she works between 50 to 80 hours most fortnights.

When asked how taking part in the Access Program has impacted on her life, Kay said, “It has given me back my life, I have financial stability and I have achieved something. I love my job.”

Madison

Madison had been unemployed for some time and struggled to find employment because she lacked the experience and skills she needed to get ahead. Madison was interested in hospitality, and this is how she came to be referred to the Australian Apprenticeships Access Program (Access Program).

In September 2010, Madison started an Introduction to Hospitality Operations Access Program course, starting with pre-vocational training that ran over five weeks. She said that she really loved the training component as it was very practical and hands on, which suited her learning style.

Over the course of the program which included pre-vocational training, job search support and post placement support, Madison learnt many helpful life skills that she could take into the workplace.  Madison believes one of the most valuable lessons she learned whilst participating in the program was ‘the importance of team work’. She said it was definitely worthwhile throwing herself into the deep end which in turn helped her to realise her dream of undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship. 

Since completing the Access Program, Madison has gained an Apprenticeship at a highly regarded Victorian restaurant, and is currently completing a Certificate III in Hospitality Operations.

“Without the Access Program, training and on the job support, I could not have achieved anything I have achieved,” Madison said.

An Employer’s story

When an Aquaculture company relocated its processing plant in Tasmania, the business was met with the challenge of filling approximately 30 full-time positions at its new facility. This large Australian privately-owned salmon farming and processing business approached a local Australian Apprenticeships Access Program (Access Program) provider in Tasmania to help find and recruit new staff.

The Access Program provider worked together with the employer to get an understanding of its needs and develop an Access Program course tailored to their business needs. The provider carefully job matched local job seekers to the employer’s needs to select participants for the course to ensure the best possible outcomes for both participants and the employer.

Shane was one of the participants who received pre-vocational training for five weeks in the Access Program’s seafood processing course designed specifically in consultation with the employer. Shane undertook 150 hours of training, including an induction to the business, and also completed a week of work experience.

Once Shane completed the training, the employer offered him a full-time position. Shane gladly accepted the offer and signed up to undertake an Australian Apprenticeship.  As part of his participation in the Access Program, Shane also received support during the first 13 weeks of his Apprenticeship to help him settle in.

Overall, eight people who participated in the tailored Access Program gained an Australian Apprenticeship with the business. The project has been a great example of local employers and Access Program providers working together to find and train the right people for the job and then jointly helping them settle into employment, resulting in long-term positive outcomes for both the program participants and the business.

Spencer

Spencer knew he wanted to become a chef, but was struggling with some personal issues in his life that had been preventing him from finding employment. In June 2009, Spencer was referred to the Australian Apprenticeships Access Program (Access Program) by his employment service provider; a step which changed his life and helped make his dream a reality.

As part of the Access Program, Spencer did an Introduction to Hospitality course. He said that the Access Program helped him gain many important life skills as well as the opportunity to work with some great people in the ‘trade’. He added that the program helped him to understand what the industry was really about, even if he had to wake up early every day. More than anything, Spencer said he really enjoyed learning about food! 

Spencer completed all elements of the Access Program successfully, and is now in the second year of an Apprenticeship at a leading restaurant in Melbourne. He is excited about the future and is looking forward to becoming a fully qualified chef.

The provider was proud of Spencer’s commitment to the program, and glad they had been able to support him to reach his goal of finding and keeping an Australian Apprenticeship.