The Mid-Career Checkpoint program supports eligible carers (or individuals currently employed in designated industries) who are looking to return to the workforce or 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.

The program also supports carers who have recently returned to paid employment and would like to advance or change their career.

Eligibility

The Mid-Career Checkpoint is operating as a pilot program in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

You are eligible to participate in the program if you:

  • live in one of these states and
  • have been out of the paid workforce for six months or more and
  • are undertaking caring responsibilities and
  • are looking to return to work or advance your career or
  • are an existing worker in a Designated industry

 

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 the MCC program can help

Participants receive at no cost:

  • a tailored skills and employment assessment known as a Skills, Training and Employment Plan (STEP)
  • personalised career advice
  • coaching sessions, and
  • if training to upskill or re-skill is recommended, up to $3,000 is available to support enrolment in accredited training.

All participants receive a customised Skills, Training and Employment Plan (STEP) that details their employment 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.

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: [email protected]

Victorian Provider –  Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI)
Phone:  03 8662 5210
Email: [email protected]

Queensland Provider – Busy at Work
Phone: 13 BUSY (13 28 79)
Email: [email protected]

For more information including FAQs and participant feedback please visit – https://www.dese.gov.au/mid-career-checkpoint-program