Learn to earn with Red Cross

The workplace is constantly changing and ageing workers often find themselves with skills that are no longer required. Bruce Wardley explains how the Red Cross training courses can help mature aged job seekers.

Mature aged job seekers and those with a disability are being urged by Red Cross to consider heading back to the classroom to learn how to earn, now that Australians are living longer, retiring later and are less likely to rely on welfare benefits.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the average retirement age has jumped by five years in recent times with only 9% of workers expecting to retire before the age of 60. The figures also show a big shift in the way people expect to pay for their retirement, with fewer and fewer relying on a pension.

Red Cross General Manager, Operations and Business Development, Chris Casey says “The trend towards part-time work means there will be plenty of jobs in aged care, community services, cleaning, hospitality, retail, transport and warehousing.

“At Red Cross we have a range of training courses for job seekers to up skill, learn new skills or simply gain the confidence to re-join the workforce.”

Although traditionally known for First Aid, Red Cross Training also delivers nationally accredited work skills training and practical placement programs.

“We off offer training pathways to employment in the areas of aged care, community services, business, retail, hospitality and transport and logistics” says Chris.

The workplace is constantly changing, and ageing workers often find themselves with skills that are no longer required. To stay ahead in the workforce mature aged workers come to Red Cross Training Services to learn new skills in expanding industries such as aged care, community services, warehousing and cleaning.

The proceeds from Red Cross training programs are used to support the everyday work of Red Cross such as providing a healthy breakfast for kids who might otherwise go to school hungry, making daily phone calls to check that elderly or isolated people are OK, and ensuring remote communities in the Asia-Pacific have access to clean drinking water.

Red Cross Training Services assesses each individual prior to enrolment to ensure participants have the skills required to successfully complete their qualification.

Tailored learning plans can be developed for groups needing flexible arrangements.

The Health Care and Social Assistance industry is Australia’s largest employer, with more than 1.4 million employees (12.1% of national employment), and almost half a million of these workers live outside the capital cities making it the largest industry employer in regional Australia.

A nationally recognised qualification with Red Cross can be your foot in the door towards secure and satisfying employment.

Job seekers currently working with an employment consultant are urged to contact Red Cross for assistance with a back to work training program.

For more information about Red Cross ‘Learn to Earn’ training program phone 1300 367 428 or go to the Red Cross ‘Learn’ page.