Attractive career choice
State Government incentives designed to encourage growth in health care and social services
CONTINUED employment growth in the healthcare and social services sector, coupled with the mid-year roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the resulting demand for professional services, means a career in health has never been more attainable.
Add to the mix the Queensland Government’s Certificate III Guarantee, and a career in health care and social services could be closer than you think.
Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said 11 high-priority qualifications would be available fee-free under the Certificate III Guarantee if students commenced their training in the calendar year after completing Year 12.
“Eligible apprentices and trainees employed in high-priority industries such as construction,
Eligible apprentices and trainees employed in high priority industries ... will not have to pay student fees.
manufacturing, automotive and community services will not have to pay student fees, which can act as a barrier for young people to complete their training,” he said.
Assistant Minister Saxon Rice said all Newman government subsidised training would become contestable and open to approved private training providers from July 1.
“Our government wants Queensland’s students and employers to have greater choice and access to quality training, particularly in high-priority areas that will build the Queensland economy,” she said.
“By creating a contestable training market we will build the sector’s overall capacity and lift quality by encouraging innovation in service delivery, course content and training outcomes.”
There is concern, however, that fast-tracked training, particularly in aged care, is short-changing employers and students.
The Australian Skills Quality Authority report, released last month, said many training programs failed to provide proper assessment and workplace experience.
The national vocational training regulator said almost 70% of registered training organisations audited for the review failed to meet the recommended 1200 hours of training for Certificate III programs, and more than one-third delivered the Certificate III in Aged Care in less than 15 weeks.
Much of the focus of any certificate-level course should be on the vocational training components.
For more information visit www.training.qld.gov.au.