Work for the Dole is an Australian Government programme that can help you gain work experience while doing something worthwhile for the community. Work for the Dole work experience placements usually last for six months.
The objectives of Work for the Dole are to provide:
- structured activities that enhance the employment prospects and vocational skills of participants
- activities that involve local communities and generate outcomes beneficial to those communities
- work experience that enhances a person’s ability to work in a team and work under the direction of a supervisor
- work experience opportunities that assist people to reengage with their community and the workplace. These opportunities are available to people fulfilling mutual obligation requirements or for voluntary participants.
Community Work
If you are on income support, Community Work can allow you to undertake voluntary work with an approved volunteer organisation. It allows eligible income support recipients to fulfil their mutual obligation and to earn Training Credits and receive a Passport to Employment. Community Work Coordinators assist by finding placements with suitable volunteer organisations. Participants can also arrange their own placement.
Community Work Coordinators
Work for the Dole or Community Work placements are managed by Community Work Coordinators who take into consideration your circumstances, background, needs and skills when looking for a placement.
Training Credits
Training Credits are a reward for people who successfully participate in Work for the Dole and Community Work and can be used to pay for accredited training. The maximum training credit payable to an eligible participant is $800.
Passport to Employment
The Passport to Employment is a package of assistance to help you become job ready. It includes training in identifying and following up job leads, writing and updating your resume, getting references, preparing job applications, and managing job interviews. If you are completing your Work for the Dole or Community Work placement, you are eligible.
More information?
For more information about Work for the Dole and Community Work, including whether or not you are eligible, phone the Employment Services Information Line on 13 62 68 or visit the Work for the Dole web site (see Related Links).