The Federal Government is providing additional assistance to mature aged workers with an $11.6 million investment to extend the Skills and Training Incentive for eligible mature aged Australians.

Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says extending the Incentives program to June 30, 2022 is part of the Government’s commitment to ensure mature aged people, particularly those impacted by COVID-19, have better options to remain in the workforce longer.

“The Morrison-McCormack Government recognises the experience and knowledge that comes with mature aged workers,” Mr Conaghan 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.”

The Skills and Training Incentive provides individuals 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 industry/skill in demand.

Chief Operating Officer for Tursa Employment and Training Ian McEwan says Australians over 45 years of age can face significant challenges when looking for work, including identifying suitable job opportunities or potential new industries in a changing labour market.

“These workers have a lifetime of experience and skills to offer employers with skills transferrable to new or different opportunities,” he said. “The newly released Skills and Training Incentive and the tailored Skills Checkpoint assessment are valuable additions to assist mature Australians reassess their career options and update their skills.

“In the Mid-North Coast the mature aged unemployed caseload is 28% higher than the NSW State Average and TURSA through its 25 years of servicing jobseekers, business and community recognises that this program will increase the skill set and employability leading to long term sustainable employment.

“Business can benefit from access to mature workers who can bring new knowledge and reliability to the workplace.”

Mr Conaghan said the Skills and Training Incentive aims to encourage ongoing investment in the skills development of older Australians. 

The individual, or their employer, will be required to co-contribute to the cost of training, which can be either accredited or non-accredited training.

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.

For more information on the Skills and Training Incentives, visit: https://www.dese.gov.au/skills-and-training-incentive