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The Peer Cadet Program is a great start to a rewarding career in the community mental health sector.
The program offers people with lived and living experience part-time employment with a participating community mental health organisation while studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work.
The program responds to recommendations by the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System to increase the number of entry points into the lived and living experience workforce.
The 2025/2026 Peer Cadet Program is being coordinated by Mind Australia's Lived Experience Career Compass which is making it easier for people who have experienced mental health challenges to enter and build a career in the lived and living experience workforce in Victoria. Applications have closed.
Program overview
Participants undertake 2 days of paid work placement and 1 day of paid study leave per week over a 10-month cadetship period.
Peer cadets will develop knowledge, skills, and confidence in lived experience peer work in a structured and supported environment. They will receive consumer or carer lived experience supervision, training, and reflective practice opportunities.
Cadets do not undertake individual client sessions but will take on a secondary or observer role.
Fees
There are no fees to apply or undertake this program. However, general course costs related to Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work, including any background checks, may apply.
Participating organisations
There are 9 participating organisations across metro and regional Victoria:
Reviewed 17 June 2025
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