VERTO is pleased to announce that it is delivering the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers (Skills Checkpoint) Program in Bendigo.
The program supports eligible Australians aged 45-70 with free assessment, advice and guidance on transitioning into new roles in their current industry, or building pathways to a new career, including referral to education and training options. Participants can access up to $2,200 (GST inclusive) in Federal Government subsidies to assist with the completion of relevant training.
To support delivery of the program in the local area, Wayne Knight, an experienced local employment services consultant, has joined the VERTO team. Wayne has been helping people into employment in Bendigo and across regional Victoria since 2009, and is excited to help older workers in his community.
“Helping people is really what I am all about; the more people I can help, the happier I am. Our mature-aged workers can, unfortunately, be overlooked at times, despite the experience they bring. This program builds the confidence to take on new roles or careers, and it’s an exciting initiative to be part of,” he said.
Wayne will work with Skills Checkpoint participants to build a career plan, explore training options and, ultimately, help them achieve their employment goals. This is something he believes is critical for the Bendigo community.
“Australia has an ageing population, and that’s reflected here in Bendigo. We used to be a manufacturing economy, but as much of that has moved offshore, we’ve become a service-orientated one. That has required a significant shift for many in the community,” he said.
“The Skills Checkpoint Program gives mature-aged workers a chance to develop new skills and use their experience in a new industry or role. It’s something that will really support the Bendigo community.”
VERTO has been running the Skills Checkpoint Program at sites across Victoria, NSW and the ACT since 2018, and the team sees first-hand how this program changes lives.
“Skills Checkpoint gives mature-aged workers the confidence to explore new career pathways and translate their existing skill base into a new world of work. This is critical as our population ages,” VERTO Chief Executive Officer Ron Maxwell said.
“Older Australians are an asset to our workforce who bring a wealth of skills and experience. This program is about leveraging, reframing and building on these skills to help them reach their employment goals at a time of significant change and disruption.”
The Skills Checkpoint Program is suited to those who are currently employed and at risk of entering the income support system, and those who have been unemployed for less than nine consecutive months and are not already receiving assistance through employment services programs. It is also suited to employers who would like to train at-risk older workers to either continue in a new role at the organisation or find a new career path.
To find out more, visit www.verto.org.au or contact VERTO on 1300 4 VERTO (1300 483 786) or at
