NORTEC Recruitment - Work for the Dole - Training Credits

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Work for Dole

Training Credits introduction

From 1st July 2002 you can earn training credits worth up to $800 when you complete your Work for the Dole or Community placement.

What can Training Credits do for me?

A Training Credit pays for fees for training courses which are recognised across Australia by employers, State and Territory Governments and Educational institutions.

You can do competency based courses to give you the skills needed to work in various industries, accredited course, or do courses to obtain a license.

Some examples are:

  • Competency based:
  • Hospitality
  • Building and Construction
  • Automotive
  • Manufacturing & Engineering
  • Transport
  • Retail
  • Health
  • Business
  • Horrticultre
  • Information Technology

Accredited:

  • Business writing
  • Computing packages
  • Marketing
  • First Aid
  • Touch typing
  • Book keeping
  • English as a second language
  • Metal fabrication
  • Aged care
  • Youth work

Licenses:

  • Fork lifts
  • Cars
  • Light trucks
  • Heavy vehicles

How do I get Training Credit?

When you have been taking part in your Work for the Dole or Community Work activity for either 200 or 240 hours (depending on your age), you qualify for a Training Credit. After that time, the longer you participate in your activity, the greater the value of the Training Credit your entitled to.

You will not be eligible for a a Training Credit if you leave early unless your reason is to take a job, or another reason approved by your Community Work Coordinator.

What is the value of the Training Credit?

Your Training Credit is based on the hours of work experience you do during your six (6) month placement. if you do around two days a week work experience, you will earn a $500 Training Credit after around four (4) months, and a $800 Training Credit after six (6) months.

If you wish to earn a higher value Training Credit, you may wish to do one extra day of work experience each week as long as a placement is available and your Community Work Coordinator agrees.

You will not receive a Training Credit if you leave Work for the Dole early unless your reason for leaving is employment or another approved reason.

How will I know my Training Credits Value?

When you complete your placement, your Community Work Coordinator will tell you the value of your Training Credit.

How can I use my Training Credit?

You can use your Training Credit for a wide range of competency based and accredited courses. You can do a course which costs more than the value of your Training Credit, but you must pay the difference. You can also do either day or evening courses.

In some cases, you may be able to use part of your Training Credit to pay for books and equipment which are essential for your course. Training Credits can not be used to pay for module or unit of training you have already begun, or to pay for Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) debt.

When can I use my Training Credit?

You must use your Training Credit by starting your course within six (6) months from the date you leave your activity unless you have a special reason. If you can't start your training course within this time you must tell your Community Work Coordinator before the six months is up.

You should plan ahead and your Community Work Coordinator will help you. You will be given information about the courses you can do and where you can do them. If you want advice, just ask your Community Work Coordinator.

When you have decided what course you would like to do, your Community Work Coordinator will approve your choice and pay your course fees.

Do I need to check with Centrelink before I use my Training Credit?

If you are on Newstart or Youth Allowance, you only need to do a check with Centrelink if you plan to do a course which takes up more than 20 hours a week and runs for longer than 30 weeks.

If you are receive Parenting Payment, Career Payment, Widow Allowance, Widow B Pension, Mature Age Allowance or Special Benefit, you should check with Centrelink before you use your Training Credits as you may be eligible for extra assistance.

What are my responsibilities?

You must choose your training course carefully and fully complete it.

What are my Community Work Coordinators responsibilities?

Your Community Work Coordinator must assist you with any information about approved courses and pay the education institution to the value of your Training Credit when you have chosen your course.

Where can I get more information about Training Credits?

Check out the employment support website at www.workplace.gov.au

You can also call the Work for the Dole hotline on 1300 362 368

 

 

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