By Ron Maxwell - CEO
At VERTO, we've been delivering the Skills Checkpoint Program to mature-age workers across NSW, ACT and VIC since 2018. During that time, we've seen firsthand how the program upskills and empowers Australians to find a new job or career path.
That's why we're excited to see the Australian Government recognising the value of the program in 2022, doubling capacity and lowering the eligibility age from 45 to 40. It's pleasing to see the government making this investment. Mature-age workers were disproportionately affected by pandemic-related job losses yet have so much to offer our workforce.
Having developed extensive life and work experience, this section of society can bring a wealth of transferable skills. However, looking for a job at this time in your life and in the current climate can feel daunting. The good news is that the Skills Checkpoint program is here to help.
How the program works
Free for eligible Australians aged 40 and over, the program is suited to those who are employed and at risk of losing their job or those who have become unemployed in the last 12 months and aren't receiving assistance from another government employment services program.
Participants work with a dedicated VERTO consultant to identify skills, skill gaps and potential upskilling opportunities. Out of this process, participants receive a tailored Career Plan that provides direction for their next career move. Where formal training or qualifications are recommended in this plan, participants can access up to $2200 (inc. GST) to fund study.
Empowering Aussies to step up to new opportunities
The Skills Checkpoint program has a fantastic track record of not only helping people find employment but increasing confidence too. And that's critical.
Many of us don't plan to find a new career path in the latter half of our working life, but it's not uncommon today with the rapid pace of technology. While it can feel a little scary to embark on a new career path in the latter half of your working life, you have many transferable skills that you can bring to your new job.
Skills Checkpoint is all about helping you uncover these and identify areas to upskill so you can get started straight away and then work towards achieving your employment goals. You'll have the support of a dedicated VERTO Skills Checkpoint consultant who is in your corner and genuinely wants to see you succeed. These consultants also understand their local employment market, so they are a great source of support when considering your next move.
It's an excellent opportunity for employers too
The program can support employers on two fronts. Firstly, if you have staff at risk of redundancy, you can get these employees involved in the program to retrain them for their next role in your organisation or outside of it.
At the height of the pandemic, VERTO helped national travel agencies, airlines and transport companies to support their employees to find new roles in a changing marketplace; pilots reskilling as bus drivers, for example.
Secondly, it's a great talent pool. Skills Checkpoint participants are motivated, committed to upskilling and actively looking for their next opportunity. It can be the perfect opportunity to widen your reach in a candidate-short employment market.
Get started today
Whether you are a job seeker or an employer, the Skills Checkpoint program has much to offer on both sides of the coin. Find out more here or contact the VERTO team on 1300 4 VERTO (1300 483 786) or at
