Skills and training incentives for mature-aged workers in Wide Bay
Mature-age workers in Wide Bay will have additional assistance to upskill, with an $11.6 million investment to extend the Skills and Training Incentive for eligible mature aged Australians, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced today.
Mr O’Brien said the Incentives program would be extended to 30 June 2022 as part of the Government’s commitment to ensure mature aged people, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19, have better options for remaining in the workforce longer.
The Skills and Training Incentive provides people aged 45-70, who have completed a tailored Skills Checkpoint assessment, with funding of up to $2,200 to invest in training linked to their current job, a future opportunity, or an in-demand industry or skill.
Mr O’Brien said the soft skills and expertise of mature age workers are needed right now and there were jobs available in Wide Bay.
“This extension of the Skills and Training Incentive for mature aged Australians will assist those eligible to build and gain skills, helping them stay in the workforce and ensuring their skill set is strong and relevant to today’s employers,” Mr O’Brien said.
The additional investment in the Skills and Training Incentive will provide up to 5,400 Incentives for eligible mature aged Australians. This builds on the $19.3 million allocated as part of the 2018–19 Federal Budget’s More Choices for a Longer Life package, which funded the initial allocation of Incentives.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said extension to the Skills and Training Incentive builds on other Government skills and training assistance for mature age job seekers and workers.
“The Morrison Government recognises the experience and knowledge that comes with mature aged workers,” Minister Cash said.
“Mature aged people will play a key part in Australia’s skills-led recovery from COVID-19 because they possess a lifetime of skills that can be redeployed or built upon to transfer to new work and careers.”
For more information on the Skills and Training Incentives, visit: https://www.dese.gov.au/skills-and-training-incentive
For more information on skills and training assistance for mature age job seekers and workers, visit: https://www.dese.gov.au/skills-and-training/skills-support-45-years-and-older