A new program is creating a unique pathway for students to kickstart their career in mental health.
The Earn and Learn Traineeship program provides employment for 50 Mental Health and Wellbeing trainees while they study a Certificate IV in Mental Health.
Providers have now been selected to run the program – which will increase the pipeline of mental health workers and support the development of a skilled and diverse workforce.
Selected providers include:
- Mind Australia
- Wellways Australia
- EACH
- Uniting Vic. Tas
- Star Health
- Mallee Family Care
Funding has also been provided for educator roles to support trainees at these services – ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. Trainees will receive supervision, relevant workplace training and education throughout their employment period.
Aligning with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, these positions pave the way for people with a wide variety of skills, experiences and backgrounds to begin their mental health workforce journey in community mental health services.
The program is a key part of Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2021-24, which outlines a strategic approach to delivering the diverse, skilled and multidisciplinary workforce required for Victoria’s reformed mental health and wellbeing system.
Reforms that help in attracting, training and transitioning staff into new roles, services and models of care, and boost workforce supply are a key priority of the Strategy.
Find out more information about Victoria’s mental health workforce initiatives.
Reviewed 15 February 2023