Older unemployed get govt help to retrain

The federal government has announced the trial locations for a new program to help older jobseekers find work.

Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash announced a trail of its career transition assistance program. (AAP)

Older unemployed Australians living in five areas around the country will be able to have government help to retrain from the middle of 2018.

The Turnbull government on Monday announced the trial of its career transition assistance program will kick off from July 2018 in Ballarat in Victoria, Somerset in Queensland, the NSW Central West, south Adelaide and north Perth.

Jobseekers aged over 50 will be able to do a short, intensive course that assesses their skills, looks at what jobs might suit them and learn new techniques for searching for work.

They'll also get IT training if needed.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash says the five locations were chosen because they have different labour markets so lots of lessons should be able to be learned from the trial.

"By making this targeted investment we are identifying and removing barriers that may be preventing mature age Australians from returning to the workforce," she said.

The program is part of a $110 million package the help older Australians find and stay in jobs which the government announced in its May budget.

It intends to expand the program nationally mid-2020.


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Source: AAP


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