Sarah Courtney,Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering on our plan to help more Tasmanians gain access to training and become job ready.
The Job Ready Fund, which we announced during the election, will open on 1 July 2021, providing $2 million over two years to break down the financial barriers often experienced by job seekers in accessing the skills and training required to develop a career pathway and move into the workforce.
We committed to establishing the guidelines and parameters for this fund as part of our plan for our first 100 days. This is an important part of our plan to secure Tasmania's future by ensuring we are helping Tasmanians into work, and that we have the skilled workforce we need to support our economy.
We recognise that a number of growth industries in Tasmania such as building and construction, and care services have core requirements for new entrants that come with additional costs.
That's why the Job Ready Fund will provide eligible Tasmanians with up to $500 to assist with costs associated with becoming job ready which will include White Card accreditation, Working with Vulnerable People registration and the purchase of protective clothing or tools.
To be eligible to access the Fund you need to be receipt of a Centrelink allowance such as Newstart, Youth Allowance, Disability Support Pension, ABSTUDY, Austudy and/or be listed on a current Health Care Card, and meet the eligibility criteria.
The program will be rolled out through the existing Skills Matching Service provider, Searson Buck Group Pty Ltd.
This initiative is one of the first tasks for our new Jobs Tasmania unit in the Department of State Growth, which will deliver our Local Jobs for Local People package and connect employers, jobs seekers and training opportunities.
The Job Ready Fund is part of our commitment to help more Tasmanians become workforce ready.
