The Federal Government has launched a new pilot program aimed at incentivising businesses to hire mature age Australians.

 

Federal Minister for Employment Participation, Kate Ellis, announced the tender that will see the Government’s Corporate Champions program extended to more than 250 new small, medium and large organisations across the country’s business landscape.

 

“Mature age workers represent a huge boost to our workforce and economy, yet too many are telling me they face barriers when it comes to securing work,” Minister Ellis said.

 

“In a time when some sectors are crying out for workers, it makes great sense for employers to look again at what older Australians can offer their business.

 

“We know there are 3.8 million mature age Australians, many interested in working, and that having these people in the workforce will be a huge benefit to our economy - that’s why we introduced a package of programs aimed squarely at breaking down the barriers for getting mature age workers into work.”

 

Minister Ellis made the call for tender at a Corporate Champions seminar in Melbourne last week, where 50 business leaders from across Victoria met to discuss how to break down the barriers faced by mature age work participation and employment.

 

 

We are investing $15 million to expand the program from 26 organisations in the pilot program to more than 250 new Corporate Champions over the next 4 years,” Minister Ellis.

 

The Corporate Champions program offers businesses intensive help for 18 months to attract and retain workers, including:

  • up to $10,000 in assistance to access an industry expert to help improve their workforce planning and recruitment strategies
  • up to $4400 per employer for a skills assessment and training through the ‘Investing in Experience- Skills Recognition and Training’ program
  • a Jobs Bonus of $1000 for employers who recruit mature age job seekers
  • the Wage Connect subsidy of around $5900 for employers who take on a mature age job seeker with no recent workforce experience

 

For more information on the Government’s mature age employment programs visit: www.deewr.gov.au/experienceplus and for questions on the Corporate Champions program email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.