Retrenched Workers Training Entitlement
The Victorian Government is committed to assisting workers impacted by recent business closures or major restructuring.
About the Retrenched Workers Training Entitlement
If you were retrenched on or since 1 January 2009 and want to learn new skills, you may be eligible for the Retrenched Workers Training Entitlement.
This Entitlement provides eligible retrenched workers with access to government subsidised training at any level. In addition, if you are interested in training at certificate course levels I – IV, 100 per cent of your tuition fees will be met by the Victorian Government. Training is available through approved registered training organisations including TAFE institutes.
Information about the courses is available by calling the TAFE Course Line, 131 823.
How to sign up for the Retrenched Workers Training Entitlement
To access the Retrenched Workers Training Entitlement you will need to:
- register with a Commonwealth Government employment services provider
- obtain a Certificate of Separation from your employer
Your employment services provider will then assist you to contact your preferred training organisation who will discuss training opportunities with you and advise if you are eligible to receive a tuition fee waiver for your chosen course.
Who is eligible?
Workers who were retrenched on or since 1 January 2009, may be eligible for the Retrenched Workers Training Entitlement.
Skill Up
The Victorian Government is also offering a rapid response program to retrain groups of retrenched workers. The training will help retrenched workers upgrade their skills or develop new skills so they can re-enter the workforce as quickly as possible.
Skill Up assistance entitles eligible groups of workers to course guidance counselling and a maximum of 80 hours of training organised through TAFE institutes.
Applications for Skill Up are generally accepted from the relevant company, union or TAFE institute. To check if you and your colleagues are eligible for the Skill Up package speak to your company, union or local TAFE institute.
Skills Stores
Retrenched workers are able to access free expert advice about how their current work skills and experience can count towards a new qualification.
You may have already gained relevant skills through paid or unpaid work experience, on the job training or informal learning. The Skills Stores will provide you with a personal referral to a registered training organisation so that your skills can be formally acknowledged through recognition of prior learning assessment.
This will cut down the time you spend training and means that you are not repeating training for all the skills that you already have.