Released 25/07/2017
Changes made by the ACT Government mean more refugees and asylum seekers in the ACT will have access to subsidised training that leads to employment opportunities in areas of skills shortage.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government has expanded the eligibility criteria for its Australian Apprenticeships and Skilled Capital programs to automatically include refugees and asylum seekers on temporary and bridging visas, giving them greater employment opportunities in our skills shortage areas.
“Permanent humanitarian visa holders now have access to ACT Government subsidised apprenticeships, traineeships and Skilled Capital qualifications,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Eligibility will now extend to refugees and asylum seekers who hold temporary and bridging visas with working rights, for example those with Temporary Protection visas and Safe Haven Enterprise visas, and the ACT’s additional humanitarian intake from Syria and Iraq.
“Australian Apprenticeships combine paid work and study towards a nationally recognised qualification, while Skilled Capital subsidises training and work experience for eligible post-school job seekers and existing workers in qualifications likely to improve employment outcomes.
“Both programs also subsidise support services, such as language, literacy and numeracy skills. They ensure students accessing training receive the help they need to successfully complete their chosen qualification, giving them the best opportunity to participate fully in our community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
Minister Stephen-Smith welcomed the changes and said the new measure aligned with the ACT Government’s 2016 election commitments to support refugee and asylum seekers looking for employment and maintain Canberra’s reputation as a refugee welcome zone.
This announcement follows the inclusion of the ACT in the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) Scheme which allows people who traveled to Australia without a visa to work and study in regional parts of the country.
“These changes will better prepare refugees and asylum seekers to find work or build a business in skills-shortage occupations within the ACT and ultimately create flow-on economic benefits,” Minister Stephen -Smith said.
Eligibility for Australian Apprenticeships and Skilled Capital can be checked using Skills Canberra’s Eligibility Calculator. Enquiries can also be directed to skills@act.gov.au. For more information please visit the ACT Standards webpage.
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases