Mature aged workers in the New England can now access funded training more easily and quickly to help them find work under changes to the Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program announced by the Coalition Government.

The CTA program assists mature job seekers aged 45 and over with training and support to improve their digital literacy, job opportunities and identifying transferrable skills.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the program will be funded by an additional $41.7 million from early May until June 2022. 

“To compete in today’s job market, and in particular in the current environment, some mature age workers may need support to improve their digital skills, and that’s exactly what this program delivers,” Mr Joyce said. 

“Having these services in place so older Australians can access the valuable support the CTA program offers, is critical to helping rural and regional communities in the New England during their time of need.”

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said jobactive providers will be able to more readily refer mature age job seekers into the program. 

“We know the CTA program is effective and is popular with participants and the facilitators who deliver it. We want to increase the number of people who can access it, particularly during these challenging economic times,” Minister Cash said.

“Establishing a separate funding source for this effective program will ensure even more mature age job seekers can build their confidence using different types of technology, like smartphones, tablets, apps, social media and computers.”

Through the CTA program, mature-age job seekers in the New England are empowered to build confidence and learn new skills and enables participants to become more competitive in their local labour market through a short form, targeted training. 

New funding arrangements will be available until 30 June 2022. More information can be found here.

(ENDS)