Read about the support the Victorian government is providing to carers, mature age workers and others wanting to re-enter the workforce.

A grant program to help carers meet the costs associated with retraining and returning to the workforce has been developed by the Victorian government.

The grants can be used to help meet the costs of course fees, books and materials, transport, respite care and childcare. Funding rounds for the carer grants are soon to be announced.

Grants are available to carers, employers, industry bodies and associations, unions, local government, employment service providers, training providers and community organisations wishing to support carers to return to work.

The program is administered under Business Victoria’s Victoriaworks arm and is called ‘Victoriaworks for carers returning to work’.

A related grant program under the same scheme – which may also be of interest to working carers – is the ‘Victoriaworks for mature age workers’ grant. It also aims to deliver effective and innovative strategies that result in the re-engagement of mature age workers in the workforce.

The program supports innovative projects that help retain older workers and keep their knowledge and skills in the industry.

The value of assistance available through the program is a maximum of $5000 per mature age person returning to work. This funding can be used to provide re-orientation to an industry or occupation; updating knowledge and skills; further skills development and training; set up of job sharing or other flexible work arrangements; ‘train-the-trainer’ and supervisor courses to allow skill transfer from mature age to other workers; mentor training and recognition of prior learning.

A Victorian government spokesperson said the impetus for the program has been the ongoing impact from the global financial crisis, which has hit all sectors of the Victorian community, as well as communities right across the nation, meaning that for some people, finding work is now more difficult than ever.

There are many reasons why some people have extra difficulty or challenges in finding a job. These may include being a carer, having been retrenched, living in a rural or regional area, being young or mature aged, or being Indigenous or a newly arrived immigrant.

To address this, and as part of its commitment to building a fairer and productive Victoria, the Victorian  Government has created Victoriaworks – a suite of workforce participation programs to help Victorians who face barriers or challenges to employment to access sustainable employment opportunities.

The Victoriaworks programs will provide nearly $44 million over four years to help match employers to individuals with the skills they require.

By making grants and funding assistance available to employers, industry bodies, and other approved organisations, the programs create more opportunities for employment, skills development, and training.

There are also Victoriaworks programs help graduates with a disability, jobseekers with employment challenges, parents returning to work, young people and, specifically, Indigenous young people.

Most Victoriaworks programs contain a number of rounds of funding; interested potential partner organisations and individuals should check their website regularly at www.workforce.vic.gov.au/victoriaworks

You can get more information via email from: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phoning 1800 110 109.