The McGowan Government is making the Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set course free to support Western Australia’s community services workforce in providing mental health assistance to vulnerable people.
The course will be free for all students, including existing workers looking to upskill.
By making the training free, the State Government is responding to industry demand for existing workers who have completed the additional training to assist and support clients experiencing mental health concerns, including those presenting with mental health or alcohol and drug related conditions.
The skill set also teaches students about responding to crisis situations, managing personal stress in the workplace and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
The Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set was previously course fee-free for youth under the age of 25, jobseekers and concession students, and attracted a regulated fee for non-concession students.
The expanded free training will help to meet demand for mental health awareness amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The change aims to encourage workers who fall under a non-concession category to access the training, as well as existing workers looking to upskill in skills valuable to their employment, the community and the mental health sector.
Non-concession students, including people aged 25 and over and existing workers, can save almost $430 in course fees as a result.
Industry feedback estimates up to 3,000 people could complete the skill set across WA if all frontline and essential employees working directly with clients with mental health, alcohol and other drug conditions sign on to undertake the training.
Units in the skill set may lead to further training opportunities in community services, alcohol and other drug services, disability, mental health and youth work qualifications.
For more information or to register your interest in enrolling in the skill set, visit the Jobs and Skills WA website https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The McGowan Government is committed to keeping training fees low and responding to industry needs for upskilled workers.
“This free training will support our community services and care sector, as well as a range of other workforces that come into contact with clients who need this kind of assistance.
“Employees with well-developed soft skills and capacity to provide person-centred and recovery-focused care are valued by the community mental health sector.
“Making the Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set course free is another example of how we are helping Western Australians to gain the skills needed in areas of high and emerging demand.”
