Canberrans are encouraged to skill up with a new qualification in 2022, with 1,000 more free training places now available through the JobTrainer program.
“We know Canberra businesses are calling out for more skilled workers as our economy recovers from COVID-19,” said Minister for Skills Chris Steel.
“This latest release of free training places will help more Canberrans get the right skills to find a great job, and local businesses find the skilled workers they need to thrive.”
The ACT economy is currently experiencing high demand for workers across a range of sectors including aged and disability care, the digital and cyber industries, construction and renewables.
This latest release of JobTrainer places includes hundreds of places in qualifications meeting these needs, including:
- Certificate II in Construction
- Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
- ACT Renewable Energy Skill Set (Repair, Design, Installation, Problem Solving)
- ACT Photo-voltaic Systems Skill Set (Battery Storage Design and Maintenance)
“Getting more Canberrans training locally will also support our economic development priorities of driving skill development in key industries like renewable energy, digital and cyber,” said Minister Steel.
“These places will also strengthen the skills needed to deliver major infrastructure projects across Canberra as well as the caring industries.”
JobTrainer is open to young people aged 17 to 24 and Canberrans who are currently unemployed. In addition to providing full qualifications, the program also supports Canberrans to undertake short courses and work-readiness programs in high skills needs areas.
So far, more than 2,800 Canberrans have enrolled in a free JobTrainer course, helping to boost the ACT’s skilled workforce and address skills shortages emerging through the pandemic.
To prepare students who are looking to enter the world of work, the ACT Government is also investing in the Employment Jumpstart Grants program. This allows organisations to build entry level work-ready skills and micro qualifications for job seekers and young people.
Subject to a grants process, this program could include smaller qualifications such as:
- Working with vulnerable people card
- Construction white card
- Asbestos awareness
- Crystalline silica dust
- Social media and digital literacy.
Both JobTrainer and Jumpstart support the ACT Government’s agenda to reach 250,000 local jobs by 2025. These initiatives are part of the ACT’s record $126.3 million investment in skills in 2022. The JobTrainer program is jointly funded with the Commonwealth Government.
Applications for Jumpstart open today.
