The Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program (the Skills Checkpoint Program) provides eligible older Australians with advice and guidance on transitioning into new roles within their current industry or finding pathways to a new career, including referral to relevant education and training options.
From 1 January 2022, the number of Skills Checkpoint Program places will double to 10,000 per year and the number of Skills and Training Incentives available will increase to 7,500 per year.
Eligibility will also be expanded to include people aged 40 years and over. Also, those people who are unemployed, the length of unemployment is increasing from up to 9 months to up to 12 months.
Eligibility:
Under the Workforce Strategy, eligibility will expand in both the age range and length of unemployment allowable. From 1 January 2022 to, be eligible for the Skills Checkpoint Program and Skills and Training Incentive, you must:
- be aged 40 years or over (previously 45–70)
- an Australian citizen or permanent resident, employed and at risk of entering the income support system
- or recently unemployed (within 12 months, previously nine months) and not registered for assistance through an Australian Government employment services program.
Accessing the Program:
You can find out more information about the Skills Checkpoint Program, including how to apply, by contacting the Western Australian provider listed below:
The BUSY Group (Busy at Work) – 13 BUSY (13 28 79)
Skills and Training Incentive:
The Skills Checkpoint Program is directly linked to the Department of Education, Skills and Employment Skills and Training Incentive (the Incentive).
The Incentive is currently available for up to 3,600 participants per year. From 1 January 2022 this will increase to up to 7,500 participants per year to 30 June 2024.
To be eligible for the Incentive, individuals must have completed a Skills Checkpoint assessment that identified training linked to their current job (e.g. upgrading skills), a future job opportunity, or an industry or, occupation in demand.
The Incentive provides eligible participants with a government contribution to fund suitable training (accredited or non-accredited). The participant or their employer must also make a co-contribution.
To assist participants to invest in training related to occupations in national shortage, from 1 January 2022, participants will be eligible for a government contribution of up to 75% of course costs for training related to select occupations on the National Skills Commission’s Skills Priority List, up to a total of $2,200 (GST inclusive).
For relevant occupations, see those in national shortage on the Skills Priority List | National Skills Commission.
The current government contribution of up to 50% of course costs, up to $2,200 (GST inclusive), for training not related to these occupations will continue until 30 June 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions:
View the Frequently Asked Questions to understand more about how the Skills Checkpoint Program operates.
