Social Research Centre

Skills checkpoint for older workers survey 2023

Have you been contacted about participating in this study?


Research Areas

Equity +
Justice

Policy +
Politics

Workforce +
Economy

Project Status

Intention
Invitation
Involvement
Insights
Impact

The Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program and the Skills and Training Incentive are Federal Government initiatives to support eligible older workers in Australia to transition into new roles within their current industry or find pathways to a new career through career advice and education and training support.

The service connects people over the age of 40 with career advisors at Busy at Work or VERTO. You may know it as the Skills Checkpoint, SCOW or the Skills and Training Incentive.

  • It provides an online skills assessment and the development of a career plan with relevant training options.
  • It may also provide financial assistance to co-fund training costs up to $2,200 (GST inclusive).

Partner

This research is being conducted for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (the department) by the Social Research Centre.

 

Aims + Outcomes

Over the next few months, the Social Research Centre will be contacting people who have participated in the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers program and may have accessed training through the Skills and Training Incentive. They will be invited to participate in the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Survey 2023. The survey forms part of a broader evaluation. Findings will be used to improve skills and training supports for people over 40. Research learnings will help us understand participant experiences of the service and how it shaped their career pathways post-participation. The survey will open 9 October 2023 and will run over a six-week period.

Methods

The Social Research Centre will be contacting people who have interacted with the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program and the Skills and Training Incentive to participate in the survey. You can complete online using a unique survey link sent by email or SMS. Alternately, you may receive a call from an experienced interviewer from the Social Research Centre to complete the survey over the phone. The survey is invitation-only. The Social Research Centre will contact you if you are selected to participate.

Insight


25%

Master project template 2: insight 1. 25% of … say that … this is a test.


20%

Master project template 2: Of those who were a part in activities, around 1 in 5 were representing their town, city or state.


1 in 10

Master project template: An upward trend in student interest in x,y,z and 1 in 10 students mentioned that this was a sample insight.

Impact

Man smiling walking down stairs with blue reflective sunglasses on.

Reports

Name of report

An extended report title text will go here.

Full Analysis Report

Exposure and the impact on attitudes of the 2019-20 Australian Bushfires

Have you been contacted about participating in this study?

Who participates?

The survey is invitation-only. The Social Research Centre will contact you if you are selected to participate.

What are the benefits?

The main benefit of taking part in the survey is knowing you are helping with important research. By taking part, you are helping us understand the views and experiences of people using this service. You will also receive a $20 gift card as thanks.

How does it work?

Please allow approximately 20 minutes to complete the survey. You will receive a $20 gift card as thanks for your time once you finish the survey. There are no right or wrong answers. We ask you to be honest. You can choose not to answer any question as you go through the survey.

How do we ensure privacy is protected?

Your personal information and responses are protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988. All identifiable information is confidential. Any information you give us will only be shared with the department’s Employment Evaluation Branch for the purpose of the evaluation. The information collected will be used for research purposes only. To reduce the number of questions and to help with our analysis, your responses will be linked to administrative data from the program. For example, this may include the type of training or support you have accessed. This data will not be shared outside the department and you won’t be identified in any reports.

FAQ's

When is the survey happening?

The survey will open 9 October 2023 and will run over a six-week period.

Will there be another survey? 

At the end of this survey, you will be asked if you are happy to be recontacted in 2024 for a short (5 minute) follow-up survey. This survey will update us on your career and training circumstances and your views on what changes you attribute to this service. If you agree to be recontacted, you can withdraw at any point.

How will I receive the gift card? 

You will be eligible for a $20 gift card when you reach the end of the survey. It is okay to skip a few questions if you do not wish to answer them. We just ask that you answer most questions as you go through the survey.

You will be asked how you prefer to receive your gift card. We prefer to send it via email to save paper, time and postage costs. However, you do have the option to receive it via post.

To receive your gift card via email:

  • Record your email address when asked at the end of the survey.
  • You will be sent a $20 gift card automatically.
  • If you do not receive it within 24 to 48 hours, please contact us.

To receive your gift card via post:

  • Record your postal address when asked at the end of the survey.
  • You will be sent a $20 gift card in the mail.
  • Please allow time for preparation and postage.
  • If you do not receive it within four to six weeks, please contact us.

Is the survey compulsory?

Your participation is voluntary. Choosing to participate, or not, won’t affect any government help or income support payments you get.

You can also change your mind at any time – without a reason.

How do I complete the survey? 

The Social Research Centre will be contacting people who have interacted with the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program and the Skills and Training Incentive to participate in the survey.

You can complete online using a unique survey link sent by email or SMS. Alternately, you may receive a call from an experienced interviewer from the Social Research Centre to complete the survey over the phone.

Can I do the survey if I’m not selected? 

The survey is invitation-only.

The Social Research Centre will contact you if you are selected to participate.

What information is collected? 

The survey will ask about your experiences with the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program and the Skills and Training Incentive.

Topics include:

  • Awareness of the service
  • Communication with providers
  • Access to the Incentive
  • Training options
  • Your career and training circumstances

How did you get my phone number? 

Your contact details were provided by the department in a list of people who have accessed the program. This was provided strictly for research purposes and remains confidential.

The Social Research Centre will securely destroy your information when it is no longer needed for the evaluation.

Will my services or payments be impacted by the survey? 

No. Completing this survey, or choosing not to, will not impact any payments or services you receive from the government.

The career advisors involved in the program (Busy at Work or VERTO) will not be informed of who has taken part in this survey.

Resources

Full Analysis Report (Population Health Test)

Full Analysis Report (Population Health Test)

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the survey, you can call the Social Research Centre (free hotline) on 1800 023 040 or email skills@srcentre.com.au