BUSY At Work is urging employers with mature workers aged 45 to 54 (in active full time, part time or casual employment) to support an innovative new program called the Skills Checkpoint Pilot Program, before the program ends on Wednesday 25 May 2016.
BUSY At Work Career and Placement Advisor Coordinator, Gillian Quinn said the program was about providing older workers with advice on how they could use their existing skills to gain new jobs or help them understand what skills and training may be required if they were to change careers.
“For employers the focus is about investing in their workforce to support the career aspirations of their employees. We want employers to take a longer term view by helping mature aged workers to remain in the workforce for as long as they like.”
“As people get older they may be thinking about changing jobs or they may be working in an industry undergoing significant change. We can work with employers to assist them to retain their older workers as well as assisting those workers to maintain careers and a work life balance well into the future,” Ms Quinn said.
Gillian said it was important to get on board now as time was running out for employees to participate in the six month program.
“We are currently running information sessions on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and in Toowoomba. Through the program we can provide a diverse range of personalised and tailor-made services that can make the transition less daunting and more rewarding for the employees.”
“Our experienced Career and Placement Advisors are able to provide face to face consultation services, or for those who are unable to participate in our face to face services, we have a range of other options including Skype, email, telephone and other social media,” Ms Quinn added.
As part of the program Gillian said BUSY At Work could help businesses and employees develop a Career Training Plan which would recognise skill gaps and aptitudes and help employers meet their business objectives.
“For example in some cases it may mean helping older trade employees’ transition off the tools into other suitable roles so that they can continue to stay in the workforce,” Ms Quinn said.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said it was important for more employees to come forward and participate in the innovative program.
“We are delighted that BUSY was selected to deliver the Skills Checkpoint Pilot Program but time is running out as it wraps up at the end of May and we need people to come in and be part of this exciting program.”
“If we are to have a vibrant and productive economy it is important that we utilise the skills and capabilities of employees of all ages and we want to show the government that this is a program worth rolling out through other regions in Australia,” Mr Miles said.
The Skills Checkpoint Pilot Program is expected to benefit around 2,000 employed people and is being funded by the Department of Education and Training.
Information sessions are now being run in the following locations.
Gold Coast
23 March 5:30pm – 7:30pm
130 Scarborough St, Southport QLD 4215
Brisbane
30 March 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Units 1 & 2, 31 Amy Johnson Place, Eagle Farm, QLD 4009
Toowoomba
6 April 5:30pm – 7:30pm
99-101 Russell Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350
For more information contact our Career and Pathway Advisors on 13 28 79 or email skillscheckpoint@busyatwork.com.au
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MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
