While it may have been a long time coming Southport local Bruce McLean is finally getting the chance to live out his dream and pursue the career he has always wanted to do.
The 54 year old is just one of many mature aged employees who have taken up the opportunity to change careers through the Australian Government’s Skills Checkpoint Pilot Program.
BUSY At Work Career and Placement Advisor Coordinator, Gillian Quinn said the six month program funded by the Department of Education and Training was about providing older workers with advice on how they could use their existing skills to gain new jobs if they were to change careers.
“Bruce was looking to change his employment direction and became aware of the program through our Facebook advertising. We provided Bruce with career advice and information about the Skills Checkpoint Pilot Program and the Australian Apprenticeship Support Services Gateways Services.”
“We are delighted that Bruce has started an adult apprenticeship with a local employer and commenced his Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician in early May,” Ms Quinn said.
Bruce said he was very thankful for the ongoing and tireless support he had received from the staff at BUSY At Work.
“I couldn’t believe how fast things progressed after my initial contact with BUSY At Work. After seeing the Facebook advertisement offering assistance to 45 -54 year olds who might want to change career pathways, I was contacted by Gillian within 24 hours of expressing my interest.”
“The information I received about the Skills Checkpoint Pilot Program which Gillian prepared for me was very detailed and informative,” Mr Mclean said.
After further discussions Bruce was advised to complete the Harrison Online Career Assessment available on BUSY At Work’s Apprenticeship Central website.
“I had wanted to obtain an electrical apprenticeship for over ten years and as I have a background in telecommunications I had thought it would have been easier to make the change sooner.”
“The aptitude test gave me the positive assurance that I was seeking the correct career pathway. Within two weeks I had received a call from BUSY At Work’s Career Placement Advisor, Cherie Thompson regarding a possible electrical apprenticeship with a local company and I signed up a week later.”
“I am excited that my dream of obtaining an electrical apprenticeship has now come true and I am very grateful to BUSY who were able to streamline the process and provide accurate answers all my questions,” Mr Mclean added.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said BUSY was delighted to deliver the Skills Checkpoint Pilot Program.
“Throughout the program our experienced Career and Placement Advisors assisted eligible mature aged workers with tailor-made career plans which provided tangible information and direction for them to transition into new careers.”
“If we are to have a vibrant economy it is important that we utilise the skills and capabilities of employees of all ages and we have successfully demonstrated to the government that this is a program worth rolling out through other regions in Australia,” Mr Miles said.
An Australian Government initiative, participation in the Skills Checkpoint Pilot program has now completed. The program was aimed at keeping the mature aged workers in the workforce longer. Throughout the six month pilot eligible workers aged between 45-54 were provided a diverse range of personalised and tailor made services to assist with future career transition.
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