Free training is now available for young Canberrans who want to enter aged care, digital skills, early childhood education and care, and disability care – all priority industries that need qualified workers.

The ACT Government today released the first round of free training places under the $16.75 million expansion of the JobTrainer program with the Australian Government – part of the ACT’s record $126.3 million investment in skills in 2022.

“If you’re a school leaver considering your plans for next year, or a jobseeker looking for your next opportunity, JobTrainer is your chance to skill-up with free, work-focused training,” said Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Skills.

JobTrainer offers free vocational education and training in employment growth areas for job seekers and young people, aged 17 to 24, who have left school.

Free qualifications available through this round of JobTrainer include:

•           Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

•           Certificate III in Individual Support

•           Certificate IV in Mental Health

•           Certificate IV in Ageing Support

•           Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Over the next 18 months, the JobTrainer fund will create 2,500 free training places for Canberrans of all ages and employment status to help Canberra’s economy recover from the shock of COVID-19.

Places in courses in hospitality, construction, retail, and other skills will be released in early 2022. The ACT Job Trainer Industry Advisory Group identified these sectors had a skills shortage.

“Skilled workers are a key part of our COVID-19 recovery,” Mr Steel said. “These free training places will support local businesses to find the skilled workers they need, and give Canberrans the opportunity to skill-up in areas where there are jobs at the other end.”

Since the first phase of JobTrainer began in November 2020, more than 2,000 people have enrolled in 98 courses.

The investment is part of the ACT Government’s plans to create 250,000 local jobs by 2025.

Young people aged 17 to 24 and Canberrans who are unemployed can access a wider range of full qualifications, short courses, and work-readiness programs.