Supports and Benefits for Australian aged over 45 years old

Do you know Australia has destinated programs and incentives to support workers who are 45 years or older. See following for a range of programs and initiatives designed to support your job pathways. 

Apply for funding to pay for training if you’re aged 45–70

The Skills and Training Incentive helps mature age Australians to build, and obtain new skills, and keep working longer. You can get up to $2200 to fund your skills development.

The Skills and Training Incentive assists mature age Australians to update their skills and stay in the workforce.

This initiative assists you to build skills and plan next stage of your job or career, and helps both individuals and businesses to better prepare and adapt to changes in the economy.

The Skills and Training Incentive provides up to $2200 (GST inclusive) to jointly fund training to help you build skills to remain in the workforce longer. The Skills and Training Incentive is directly linked to the Skills Checkpoint Program.

Either you or your current employer must match the incentive to ensure a joint investment in your skills development.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible for the Incentive if you:

• are aged 45–70
• are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• are currently employed OR recently unemployed (within nine months) and not registered with an Australian Government employment services provider
• have completed a Skills Checkpoint assessment that identified training opportunities through the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program

How to access the Incentive?

Skills Checkpoint providers deliver both the Skills Checkpoint Program and the Skills and Training Incentive. They can help you apply for the Skills Checkpoint Program, and access the Skills and Training Incentive.

Read some examples from Department of Education, Skills and Employment of how the Incentive can help with the cost of training and re-skilling.

Audrey, 55, has worked in the finance department for the same company for 10 years. She would like to change careers and become a Financial Advisor but is unsure whether this is the right move. She sees an online ad for the Skills Checkpoint provider and gives them a call. They work with Audrey to understand her career/work goals, provide encouragement and support and suggest some training options. The skills assessment shows that Audrey is well suited to a new career as a Financial Adviser. To become a qualified Financial Adviser, Audrey will need to complete a relevant post- graduate diploma which is six units and one year’s study. The Skills Checkpoint provider tells Audrey that she can get some Government assistance to contribute to the costs of the units.

The first semester course is $2200; Audrey contributes $1100 and $1100 is paid by the Government using the Skills and Training Incentive. The second semester course is $2800; Audrey pays $1700 and the Government pays $1100.

FAQs for Australians Aged over 45 years old Workers' Supports

What kind of training can I do?

You can do any training that is identified as part of the Skills Checkpoint assessment. The training should be linked to your current job (e.g. upgrading skills), a future job opportunity, or an industry or skill in demand. Training can be accredited or non-accredited.

What is the Skills Checkpoint Program?

The Skills Checkpoint Program is an individually tailored assessment of your existing skills. You will get advice and guidance on transitioning into new roles within your current industry or pathways to a new career, including referral to relevant education and training options.

Other mature age employment programs

• Pathway to Work

Pathway to Work encourages employers to hire workers 45 years and over. It is part of the Australian Government's $110 million Mature Age Employment Package.

How it works

Pathway to Work helps to stimulate demand for mature age workers (aged 45-70) through specific activities.

From 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2021, up to 10 pilots will:

• Encourage employers to hire mature age job seekers
• Learn from employers who are leaders in mature age recruitment and retention
• Connect employers with mature age job seekers
• Show how mature age job seekers can prepare for jobs through funding and programs.
   

Eligibility

Employers with 10-15 jobs may be eligible for Pathway to Work.

Job seekers may be eligible if they are:

• 45 years and over
• Receiving income support
• Registered with a jobactive provider.

Note: eligibility may differ between pilot projects.

Next steps

Activities are developed in collaboration with:

• Employers
• Industry organisations
• State Government agencies
• Training organisations
• Service providers

Pilots will be of varying duration depending on the location, industry and participants.

If you're an employer and interested in trialling a Pathway to Work pilot, contact the Mature Age Strategies team:

• MatureAgeEmploymentCollaborativePartnership@dese.gov.au
• Call the Employer Hotline on 13 17 15

Other Budget initiatives

Mature Age Employment Package announced in the 2017-18 Federal Budget:

• Career Transition Assistance Program
• Expansion of National Work Experience Program

More Choices for a Longer Life Package announced in the 2018-19 Federal Budget:

• Collaborative Partnership on Mature Age Employment

No Borders Law Group has helped numerous people securing their Australian visa applications.

Applicants can migrate to Australia when you are over 45 years old including 

1. Parent Visa
2. Partner Visa
3. Distinguished Talent Visa
4. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
5. Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)Visa

Recently a client of ours has received their 188 visa granted.

Need help with getting Australian Visas?

NO BORDERS LAW GROUP: #1 TRUSTED MIGRATION AGENTS

Email: service@noborders-group.com

Tel:  +61 (07) 3876 4000

Consultation:  https://www.noborders-group.com/form/free-consultation

We will help applicants by exploring your visa options and securing the application. If your would like to discuss applicants visa options and evaluate the pathway to permanent residency, please enquire or book a consultation to get expert advice with one of our knowledgeable and experienced Migration Agents/Lawyers on 07 3876 4000 or email: service@noborders-group.com.  

Source:

https://www.dese.gov.au/mature-age-hub/information-job-seekers-over-45-years