The Mid-Career Checkpoint program supports eligible carers who are looking to return to the workforce or carers who have recently returned to paid employment and would like to advance their career.
The program is an Australian Government initiative to assist people who have spent time out of the workforce undertaking caring responsibilities and are now looking to return to paid employment.
A Training Incentive may also be available to those who complete the Mid-Career Checkpoint to support them to undertake accredited training, where training is recommended.
Budget Announcement
Mid-Career Checkpoint program ceasing 31 December 2022
As announced in the Australian Federal Budget, handed down on 25 October 2022, the Mid-Career Checkpoint Program will cease at the end of the current pilot period on 31 December 2022. The program pilot will continue to be delivered in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to eligible participants until 31 December 2022, but will close to new entrants on 11 November 2022. Participants who complete the program and are recommended accredited training will still be able to access the Training Incentive.
How the Mid-Career Checkpoint program can help you
Participants receive at no cost:
- a tailored skills and employment assessment known as a Skills, Training and Employment Plan
- personalised career advice
- coaching sessions, and
- assistance to support recommended accredited training.
All participants receive a customised Skills, Training and Employment Plan (STEP) that details their employment and career goals and identifies their attributes, skills and qualifications, as well as any skills gaps.
Each STEP provides information on local employment and training opportunities, in line with the participant’s employment goals.
Coaching sessions may focus on but are not limited to:
- resume and job application writing
- interview preparation and techniques
- leveraging networking opportunities
- career progression while in part time employment and,
- improving digital literacy.
Accessing the Mid-Career Checkpoint Program
The Mid-Career Checkpoint is operating as a pilot program in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Program Eligibility
You may be eligible to participate in the Mid-Career Checkpoint Program if you:
- live in one of these states and
- have been out of the paid workforce for six months or more to undertake caring responsibilities and
- are looking to return to work or advance your career or
- are an existing worker in a Designated industry
Training Incentive
Participants who complete the Mid-Career Checkpoint program may also be able to access up to $3,000 (GST exclusive) to enrol in nationally accredited training. This Training Incentive is only available to participants who are eligible for and complete the Mid-Career Checkpoint program.
For training to be supported by the Training Incentive, it must be:
- necessary to address skills gaps or employment goals identified through participating in the program
- recommended in your Mid-Career Checkpoint Skills, Training and Employment Plan and
- nationally accredited, Vocational Education Training.
In identifying and recommending specific suitable accredited training, MCC providers will also consider free or low-free course options available through JobTrainer.
The program has three entry points:
- ‘Stepping Back In’ provides access to skills and employment assessment services and advice on re-entry into the workforce, including suggestions for professional and skills development.
- ‘Stepping Up’ supports carers who have recently returned to the paid workforce with access to advice on advancing or changing their career.
- ‘General Entry’ provides access to the program if you are an existing worker in a designated industry – that is a female-dominated, COVID-19 affected industry where women (in particular) are at risk of unemployment. Designated industries are:
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Education and Training
- Arts and Recreation Services
- Retail Trade
- Administrative and Support Services
- Residential Care Services
- Child Care Services.
How to apply
For more information on how to access the Mid-Career Checkpoint program, please contact the provider in your state.
NSW Provider – Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA)
Phone: 1300 069 156
Email: mcc@apprenticeshipsupport.com.au
Victorian Provider – Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI)
Phone: 03 8662 5210
Email: midcareercheckpoint@victorianchamber.com.au
Queensland Provider – Busy at Work
Phone: 13 BUSY (13 28 79)
Email: busy@busyatwork.com.au
