A free course in commercial cookery opened up a career path for Merlin Martin that he otherwise wouldn’t have considered and has led to a real love of cooking for people.
“Honestly I just enjoy cooking and seeing people enjoy the food I have created. Sometimes they take out a phone and take a photo of the food, and I enjoy that.”
Merlin is one of around 2,000 Canberrans who have already taken up an opportunity under the JobTrainer program to access free vocational education and training.
As a result, Merlin now has a job working in a Braddon restaurant.
“The support of the teachers [at the Canberra Institute of Technology] and my colleagues throughout the learning has really been beneficial. I’ve never really worried
about not being able to do something because there is always someone to catch me if I fall.“I’ve had a few really awesome teachers who have inspired me to push further and further,” said Merlin.
An additional 2,500 JobTrainer places are being released over the next 18 months to help young Canberrans and job seekers get free training in areas where there are jobs at the other end.
This round of JobTrainer is open to all Canberrans over the age of 17 who want to take up free training in aged care, digital skills, early childhood education and care and disability care.
Fiona Mitchell from the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) said they have been working with industry to co-design courses to meet their labour demands.
“There are a lot of positions available due to the COVID disruption and we are working on ensuring that demand is met through ongoing training and also opening up pathways into other programs.
“There’s a whole raft of opportunities through JobTrainer.
“It’s a great opportunity for anyone young, anyone who is a job seeker to come on board and really engage in vocational education and training and see the great pathways that can evolve into jobs – ultimately – and also further study.”
For CIT, it’s about making sure there are jobs at the other end for the students.
“We work with our industry contacts and industry partners to make sure students have that rich, on the job experience and are work-ready as graduates or continue on their formal study path,” said Ms Mitchell.
Merlin has a simple message to anyone else considering a free training opportunity under JobTrainer.
“Just try it. There’s no real harm in doing something like this. It’s a passion I found really from out of nowhere, and I’m loving it.”
JobTrainer courses are delivered by a range of Registered Training Organisations. More information on the courses available can be found at www.act.gov.au/jobtrainer
JobTrainer is a joint initiative of the ACT and Australian Governments.
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