A government funded program offering support for older Australians to upskill and/or transition into a new career through the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers (SCOW) Program is now available. 

The program provides eligible people aged over 40 with advice and guidance on transitioning into new career opportunities, and the potential for part-funding of relevant training through RTOs such as OPEC College. 

The program specifically targets older Australians currently employed who may be at risk of unemployment, or those recently unemployed, who are not registered for assistance through an employment services program. 

People who meet the criteria may be eligible for course fee subsidies that match what you or your employer pay, up to a cap of $2,200.   

In addition to the age restrictions, to be eligible for SCOW funding you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, either currently employed and at risk of entering the income support system, or unemployed within the last nine months.