The Andrews Labor Government is building a diverse and robust mental health and wellbeing workforce, delivering a brand-new program for students, streamlining their transition straight into the workforce.

Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams today announced the new Earn and Learn Traineeship programand the providers who will be running the program.

The program is part of Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2021-24, which outlines a strategic approach to deliver the diverse, skilled and multidisciplinary workforce required for Victoria’s reformed mental health and wellbeing system.

The $4.5 million Labor Government investment will create 50 new community support jobs for Mental Health and Wellbeing trainees while they study a Certificate IV in Mental Health, the 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, which will ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. Trainees will receive supervision and relevant placements through their employment period.

Following a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System for a more diverse mental health workforce, these positions pave the way for people with a wide variety of skills, experience and background to begin their career journey in the community mental health services.

The Government is getting underway on implementing more than 90 per cent of the Royal Commission’s recommendations and in the last year have invested a record $372 million in workforce initiatives to hire more than 1,500 mental health workers, including 400 mental health nurses and 100 psychiatrists to deliver Victoria’s mental health reform agenda.

The Andrews Labor Government also offers the Certificate IV in Mental Health and Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Support as part of the Free TAFE program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams

“The Earn and Learn traineeship program means community mental health workers can begin working in the sector while they complete their studies – getting them straight into the workforce and supporting Victorians right away.”

“These new roles are a key part of the diverse, skilled and multidisciplinary workforce that the Royal Commission recommended for the mental health system.”