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New changes to Government course funding- How it can affect you

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Skills First is the Victorian Government’s Funding Strategy aimed at supporting and upskilling Victorians. It includes the funding of qualifications which are delivered through traineeships, apprenticeships and classroom delivered programs. The impacts on an individual’s eligibility for a funded place, are discussed here. It is advised that you consider the location of the choice delivery, availability and cost of a course. Information about client feedback and what successful completion meant to the student is also something worth considering. Training should be about gaining skills that directly support your ability to get a job.

The Government is committed to improving the quality of government-funded training in Victoria and in line with the Education State Agenda. Only Training Providers with a proven track record of quality training delivery have been offered a 2018-2019 VET Funding Contract. Cire Training, (formerly Upper Yarra Community House) has been operating as a Registered Training Provider (RTO) since 1992, delivering a range of training and qualifications to the community. Cire Training was audited in November 2017 and has been offered a contract for the Skills First Funding program for 2018-2019.

The Department has restricted the number of places offered to every training provider who delivers qualifications where the anticipated commencements are significantly in excess of projected jobs and training needs.

The Skills First Contract is designed to provide high-quality skills in the areas where there are jobs available. It is important, as a prospective student, that you do not waste your funding entitlement on a qualification that may not enable you to achieve improved employment outcomes or a job. If you are unsure contact Cire Training to speak to an enrolment officer.

Cire Training regularly offers short industry taster courses where you can find out about different industries. Look out for our ‘Plan your career courses’ which include a tour of the sites where the courses are delivered and the current work pathways. This will give you an idea if this field is where you want to study and work.

Restrictions to enrolments in the following qualifications now apply to RTO classroom-based programs. If you are offered a Traineeship in one of the qualifications there are no restrictions. The six restricted qualifications are:

  • CUA51015 Diploma of Screen and Media
  • CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care*
  • MSS40316 Certificate IV in Competitive Systems and Practices
  • CHC30113 Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care*
  • HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

*If you do want to enrol in one of these qualifications you should contact Cire Training on 9736 1457 now, to find out if the course is suitable for you and to secure your place.

Skills First also offers the Reconnect Program which is designed to provide additional support for unemployed people who are finding it hard to secure a job, or who really do not know where to start. Cire Training can provide a range of supports and has special programs for men and women who need help with goal setting, determining career direction and applying for a job. If you need some help or just want someone to talk to, contact Michelle Spokes or Sammy Egan on 9736 1457 today, and get 2018 off to a positive start.

 

Finding the most suitable training option for you

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Skills First is a government-funded vocational education and training program that is accessible to people who do not hold a post-school qualification, or who want to gain a higher level qualification than they already hold. TAFE’s and Learn Locals may be able to offer an exemption, therefore the best advice would be to speak to them first.

If you are eligible for government subsidised training through the eligibility criteria, the government will contribute to the cost of training. It is smart to use your entitlements before you consider accruing a debt. If you are not sure, speak to the people who can provide advice about the training, its potential job outcomes and your needs.

I wanted to do training that would get me a job. Living in Millgrove made it really hard to know what to do. One day I received a call from a telemarketer who invited me to an interview in Lilydale. I went along and they talked about hairdressing, beauty and nail technology. I thought that I could do this and perhaps run my business from home in Millgrove. I said I would like more information and signed some forms.

The next thing I knew I was enrolled in a course that was delivered in the city. Millgrove to the City is a 3 -4 hour trip by public transport. There was no way I could do that.

I did not attend any classes. The next thing I found out was that I had, not one, but two VET Fee Help Debts. I really wish I knew what I was signing up for!

I called into Cire Service Inc to talk about my situation. They were really helpful and discussed job opportunities and careers that I could possibly do in the Yarra Valley. They also had the option to offer an exemption which meant that I would be able to do a course that was government funded and much cheaper than the big debt that I had accrued from my meeting about beauty and hairdressing. Mary – Student (Millgrove)

What to consider before enrolling:

  • Ensure the course you wish to enrol in aligns with your career and further study aspirations. For information about finding a VET option that suits you, see  education.vic.gov.au
  • Ensure the delivery strategy meets your study and work/ life balance. If you live in a regional area, consider what is available locally.
  • Understand the eligibility criteria (see below for more information)
  • Read more about the education and training you need for the job you want and improve your knowledge and skill in an area that interests you. education.vic.gov.au training/learning
  • Research your training provider and training options on training.gov.au

Eligibility Criteria:

Students may be eligible for funding through the Skills First Program if they meet the following criteria:

  • Be an Australian Citizen or Permanent visa holder or a New Zealand Citizen
  • Must reside in the state of Victoria
  • Not be currently enrolled in two or more Victorian Government-subsidised courses in the current year.
  • Have not commenced more than two Government-subsidised courses in a calendar year.
  • Have not commenced a maximum of two subsidised courses at the same level in your lifetime. This restriction applies whether or not you complete the course.
  • Over 20 years of age (as at 1 January in the year of commencement of training) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training in a course that is at a higher qualification level than the highest qualification held at the time of the scheduled commencement of training.

If you wish to seek further clarification regarding eligibility contact our office on 1300 835 235 or you may wish to access the funding eligibility indicator click here.

You can only commence a maximum of two subsidised courses at the same level in your lifetime. This restriction applies whether or not you complete the course.

The restriction does not apply to:

  • courses on the Foundation Skills List.
  • students recommencing training in the same qualification at the same or different provider.

In exceptional circumstances, you can apply to the Department for an exemption to the lifetime limit of two commencements at the same level.

Enrolment Process

The enrolment process at Cire Services has been designed to assist you in finding the best possible course for your needs.

  • Register your expression of interest for a course via our online expression of interest form or contact our office on 1300 835 235.
  • Our reception staff can provide some information, however, we recommend that you come in to talk to one of our enrolment officers who can discuss your goals, check eligibility and provide advice to support you to select the best pathway for you. At this pre-training session, you will discuss your goals and the training offered by Cire Services to assist you with making an informed decision about which program best meets your requirements
  • All students are required to undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test. The purpose of this information is to provide us with information so that we can support you to successfully complete your chosen course. You are also provided with a quote for the course fees and some suggested industry taster and study courses also offered by Cire Training. Once you have completed your enrolment form and paid your fees a confirmation of enrolment letter is sent to you with the course details, starting date and time.
  • Cire training is here to support you every step of the way.

Exemptions

Cire Services Inc can offer a limited number of exemptions to students who have undertaken a qualification previously that was not aligned with their needs. This is a limited arrangement with the Victorian Government and cannot be taken lightly. Speak with an enrolment officer today about your needs and whether we are able to assist.

Good news for quality training

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In a sector plagued by bad news, Cire Training would like to share some positive news. From January 2017, Victoria’s training and TAFE system is being overhauled through Skills First.

“Skills First – our new approach to training and TAFE – will ensure public funds are spent effectively, and that students get real training that led to real jobs” Gayle Tierney, Minister for Training and Skills

Built on the Andrews Labour Government’s commitment to the training and TAFE system, Skills First offers real training for real jobs, through:

  • High quality training that students and industry can trust
  • The opportunity to develop the required skills– and the skills employers want – for jobs today and tomorrow
  • A real voice for industry in training
  • Funding for learners who need additional support to engage with, and succeed, in education and training
  • Access to targeted, relevant training for students in regional areas

With the introduction of Skills First, Victoria – the Education State – is leading the nation to ensure quality in vocational and educational training.  Students, industry and the community can have renewed confidence in government-funded training. This new approach to funded training is designed to make sure that public funds are spent effectively, and that students get the training they need to secure a job.

Cire Training is one of over 300 quality training providers who have been offered contracts to deliver government-funded training in 2017. Contracts were offered following a rigorous selection process where providers had to show evidence of their ability to deliver quality training. Providers also had to prove their strong organisational capability and clearly demonstrate their financial viability.

Cire Training, which offers accredited, pre-accredited and workskills courses from campuses located in Yarra Junction and Mount Evelyn, has proven its ability to deliver quality community-based adult education and training in the Yarra Valley and Outer Eastern Suburbs.

Cire Training is working closely with other local Learn Locals and Swinburne University to provide industry taster programs for the community. These programs will support the local community to identify possible career paths and opportunities for training. If you are unsure about which training program is right for you, consider participating in a taster program.

Not sure about where you want to work? Not a problem, Cire Training can help you plan your career, develop a resume and apply for a job. We have a range of pre-accredited programs to support your journey.

Cire Training offer accredited courses in Early Childhood Education and Care, Education Support, Horticulture, Individual Support and Leadership and Management. If you are thinking about a career in one of these fields, Cire Training can help you get there.

To find out more about the courses offered by Cire Training, visit our website or call 1300 835 235