This guide is for workers who are facing retrenchment as a result of company closures or restructuring. It contains important information about what to expect if your employer has accepted an offer to participate in the Workers in Transition Program.
The following information is helpful to anyone facing retrenchment, including financial assistance and advice, job-seeking and your rights as an employee.
What is the Workers in Transition Program?
If your employer has accepted an offer to participate in the Workers in Transition Program, the Victorian Government, your local TAFE and your employer will be working together to provide a number of services to help you make the transition to a new job.
- A TAFE will be selected to provide workers facing retrenchment with career advice, skills analysis and training.
- Speciasts from the Victorian Government will examine what types of work are available in the industry or region so that the TAFE can work out what kinds of training will most help workers find a new job.
- Workers will be individually interviewed by the TAFE to see what skills they currently have, what available career options they are interested in and what training would help them find a job in that area.
- The TAFE will assess whether workers are eligible for government-funded training under the Victorian Training Guarantee.
- If not, workers will still be able to receive government-funded training under en Eligibility Exemption Place (so long as they meet the citizenship/residency requirements. These have been introduced by the Victorian Government especially to ensure that workers in the Workers in Transition program can get government-subsidised training.
How can training help me?
Retrenchment can be daunting, but it also offers the opportunity to rethink your future, to plan ahead and consider your options.
Under the Workers in Transition Program, you will be eligible for government-funded training to improve your skills, qualifications and job opportunities.
TAFE and training qualifications can help you get ready to start work in a new career, or increase your options in the industry you’ve been working in.
TAFE and training qualifications are about getting the knowledge and skills you need most for specific jobs. There are more than 1,900 courses in 30 different study areas.
Can I get subsidised training?
All workers facing retrenchment who are in the Workers in Transition Program will be able to get government-funded training to improve their skills and qualifications.
The Victorian Government offers all eligible applicants access to government-funded training places through the Victorian Training Guarantee. Even if you are not eligible for government subsidised training under the Victorian Training Guarantee, if you are in the Workers in Transition Program you will have access to special subsidised training places called Eligibility Exemption Places (so long as you meet the citizenship/residency criteria).
Find out more on the eligibility and citizenship/residency requirements of the Victorian Training Guarantee.
Will I need to pay anything?
The government will contribute on average between 60 and 90 per cent of the cost of training.
The remainder of the cost of training is made up from a student tuition fee contribution. There may be additional fees and charges (for services, books and materials). Your TAFE will be able to give you more information about costs.
What sort of training can I do?
The training you do using an eligibility exemption must be aimed at obtaining skills that are in short supply in the Victorian market or are known to be in demand in your local area, to boost your future employment opportunities. Your TAFE will advise you about this.
When your TAFE assesses you, they will take the skills and training you already have into consideration when deciding what training to offer you. This means you won’t waste time being taught things you already know and you will be able to get a qualification by supplementing the skills you already have. This process is called Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL.
Study options include full-time, part-time, evening and weekend classes. You may be able to study off-campus or use online study options.
Qualifications range from Certificates to Advanced Diplomas. All nationally recognised qualifications are designed to meet the needs of industry.
Ask your TAFE representative about your options for government-subsidised training. For more information on training courses call the TAFE and Training Line on 131 823.
Where can I get training under the Workers in Transition Program?
Under the Workers in Transition program, you will be able to access government-subsidised training at your program’s participating TAFE.
TAFE Institutes are the preferred government providers to deliver training to retrenched workers. TAFE campuses provide an environment that encourages learning and TAFEs provide support in and out of the classroom, including student services (literacy and numeracy) and access to computer labs and libraries. The wide range of accredited qualifications offered at TAFEs make them ideal to support individuals wishing to change careers or up-skill.
And if your TAFE can’t provide the training you need, they will refer you to your Regional Market Facilitation Manager, who will assist you to find suitable training at another TAFE or Registered Training Organisation.
Important information
- There is no minimum period of employment/unemployment to qualify for Eligibility Exemption.
- There is a time limit to enrol in a new course in an Eligibility Exemption Place. Your TAFE will advise you about this.
- Your TAFE will need a copy of your employment separation certificate to enrol you under an Eligibility Exemption. This will be provided by your employer.
General information
This section provides information that will be helpful for anyone who is facing retrenchment, whether you are in the Workers in Transition Program or not. This includes information about organisations that can:
- provide other training options
- help you find new employment
- offer financial assistance and advice
- explain your rights as an employee
- provide counselling or other personal support.
Registered Training Organisations
Learn Local
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Australian Apprenticeship Centres
Group Training Organisations
Centrelink
Job Services Australia
NEIS
Business Victoria
Financial Assistance and Income Support
Family Assistance Office
Child Support
MoneyHelp
Retrenchment and the law
General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme
Unions Can Help
Personal assistance
Lifeline
Beyond blue
Local support programs
Registered Training Organisations
As well as TAFEs there are around 600 private training organisations providing accredited and government-funded training under the Victorian Training Guarantee. Your employer may already have a relationship with one or more of these organisations. Alternatively, to find out about Registered Training Organisations in your area, call the TAFE and Training Line on 13 18 23.
Learn Local
Every year over 110,000 Victorians choose to learn through Learn Local organisations. There are over 320 Learn Local organisations across rural, regional and metropolitan Victoria that offer a range of adult community education and training programs for people from all walks of life.
Courses range from basic computer skills to Certificates and Diplomas in business or community services. You can also do Foundation Skills courses, which help you improve your literacy and numeracy. The focus is on individual needs, tailoring programs for both the learner and businesses.
No matter what level of education or training you have had in the past, Learn Local can help. New skills can be life changing, offering job choices, further education and the chance to interact with others in your Learn Local community. Find your nearest Learn Local organisation.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Many employers are willing to train an employee as an apprentice or trainee, to gain the skills their business needs. Apprentices and trainees gain those skills through practical experience in the workplace as well as through structured training at work or at a training organisation.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are not only for the young. Mature workers are known for their ability to bring commitment to their industry and increasing numbers of older workers are undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship. There are apprenticeships or traineeships in almost all industries.
As well as going to Australian Apprenticeship Centres and Group Training Organisations (see p13), you can look for apprenticeships advertised online or in the newspaper, or approach employers directly to express your interest.
Australian Apprenticeship Centres
Your local Australian Apprenticeship Centre is your one-stop shop if you are seeking an apprenticeship. They are able to link into job-matching services to put you in touch with employers. Importantly, they can tell you if you are eligible for government financial assistance for an apprenticeship and help you complete the relevant application forms.
Get started by finding your nearest Australian Apprenticeship Centre using the search tool at australianapprenticeships.gov.au or by calling the Australian Apprenticeship referral line on 13 38 73 (local call cost).
The Australian Apprenticeships website provides:
- information to help you choose an industry you want to work in
- information on job prospects and weekly earnings
- ways to find job vacancies
- tips on how to market yourself
- tips on how to apply for positions and write an application
- tips on ways to increase your chances of success at interviews.
Group Training Organisations
Group Training is a training and employment arrangement where an organisation, known as a Group Training Organisation or GTO, employs apprentices and trainees under an Apprenticeship/Traineeship Training Contract and places them with host employers. Visit gtavic.asn.au or call (03) 9639 3955 for more information.
Job search assistance
The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments offer information and assistance for jobseekers to allow them to access training, receive financial assistance and more importantly, find employment. You should make contact with these services as soon as possible.
Retrenched workers can have immediate access to intensive Centrelink and Job Services Australia resources, tools and services.
Centrelink
Centrelink provides jobseekers with free access to job search facilities, including the use of JobSearch kiosks and JobSearch telephones. JobSearch kiosks provide information about current job opportunities, career information, and the services provided by Job Services Australia and other local employment services. For further information visit Centrelink.
Job Services Australia
Job Services Australia can help with:
• job search, developing a resume and job placement
• up-to-date information regarding job vacancies
• access to job-searching facilities
• referral and placement into employment
• personal skills assessments
• skills development and training relevant to the needs of your local job market
• referral to education or training opportunities including the Productivity Places Program, the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program, or the Adult Migrant English Program
• help to gain licences, Certificates or other qualifications
• work experience opportunities.
For more information call 13 62 68 or visit Job Services Australia.
NEIS
If you are a job seeker and are interested in starting and running a small business, you may be able to access assistance through the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS). NEIS can provide you with accredited small business training, business advice and mentoring, as well as ongoing income support for up to 52 weeks.
NEIS is delivered by a national network of NEIS providers under Job Services Australia, in locations right around the country. NEIS providers include local organisations, such as Business Enterprise Centres, TAFE Small Business Centres, community organisations, and private sector businesses.
For more information on NEIS contact your local Job Services Australia provider.
Business Victoria
Business Victoria offers a wide range of information to help you with starting, running and growing a small business. For more information vist Business Victoria or call on 13 22 15.
Financial assistance and advice
The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments provide a number of forms of financial support and assistance for people who have been retrenched. This section highlights entitlements for which you may be eligible, depending on your circumstances.
Financial Assistance and Income Support
If you lose your job through retrenchment, some financial assistance may be available to you through Centrelink. So your first step should be to register with Centrelink. To enquire or to register your intention to claim a payment, visit centrelink.gov.au
Don’t forget to obtain or make sure you are issued with a Certificate of Separation from your last employer. Centrelink needs this document to assess your eligibility for payment. To check your eligibility call 13 28 50 or visit Centrelink.
Family Assistance Office
The Family Assistance Office offers a range of payments to support families with their work and family responsibilities. It provides financial assistance and information to families including how to access and apply for:
• Family Tax Benefit Part A and B
• Child Care Benefit
• Child Care Rebate
• Health Care Cards
• Rent Assistance.
For more information please call 13 61 50 or visit Family Assist.
Child support
If you have children and there are changes in your income or care arrangements, you may need to change your details with Commonwealth Government agencies, including the Child Support Agency.
For more information, please call 13 12 72 or visit csa.gov.au for office locations.
Money management is a major strain for many workers during times of retrenchment.
Centrelink provides a free Financial Information Service (FIS). You do not need to be claiming a Centrelink benefit to access this service. To speak to a FIS officer please call 13 23 00 or visit Centrelink.
MoneyHelp
MoneyHelp provides free, confidential and independent financial advice to Victorians who are facing job loss or reduced working hours. The service is also available to people who are struggling to pay their mortgage or rent. MoneyHelp can support you with information and tools to help:
• manage your bills and debts
• prepare a budget
• compare debt payment options
• take financial control
• register for Centrelink entitlements.
To access MoneyHelp call the helpline on 1800 149 689 or visit MoneyHelp.
Retrenchment and the law
Legislation is in place that determines and regulates eligibility for redundancy and other payments in the event of an employer terminating employment, or beginning retrenchments. For more information regarding fair work practices, unfair dismissal, general work practices and workplace legislation call the Commonwealth Government’s Fair Work information line on 13 13 94 or visit Fair Work Australia.
General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme
The General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS) was established by the Commonwealth Government to support employees who lose employment because their employer becomes insolvent or bankrupt. If you are owed entitlements, GEERS can help you claim from these employers.
For more information please call 1300 135 040 or visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) website and see information about General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS).
Unions can help
Contact your relevant union and ask how they can help you. The Victorian Trades Hall Council has a list of unions available on their website or call (03) 9659 3511.
Personal assistance
Retrenchment can be a challenging time for individuals and their families. Uncertainty, financial insecurity and other pressures can be emotionally stressful.
If you are having difficulties with anxiety, depression, family arguments, drug and alcohol use or other personal issues, it is a good idea to talk to someone about these problems.
There are many government and not-for-profit services that can help support you through the difficulties. Remember to access free financial counselling and free personal counselling services. You might also consider some additional options. All the services listed below are not-for-profit, free and confidential.
Lifeline
Lifeline is a free, confidential telephone helpline that offers support regarding mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. If you feel you, or someone you know may be at risk or just need someone to listen, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Lifeline.
beyondblue
beyondblue provides an information and referral service for those who may be experiencing depression, anxiety or substance abuse. beyondblue also raises awareness about depression and other related conditions and hopes to reduce the stigma within the community.
For more information please call 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.
Local support programs
Ask your local council for information about other community groups and welfare organisations in your local area.