About
What is Work for the Dole?
As part of the mutual obligation under the Centrelink guidelines, Work for the Dole is about helping job seekers improve their employment prospects by providing opportunities for work experience.
Not for profit organisations and groups involve job seekers in local projects providing facilities and services of value to the community.
Work for the Dole placements cover a wide range of activities, such as heritage and/or history, the environment, community care, tourism, sport, providing community services and restoring and maintaining community services and facilities.
Job seekers may be required to take part in Work for the Dole if they are:
- aged 18 or 19 years, recently completed Year 12, getting the full rate of Youth Allowance, and have been getting payments for three months or more, or
- aged 18 - 39 years, getting the full rate of Youth Allowance or Newstart Allowance, and have been getting payments for six months or more.
In addition, job seekers aged 18 and over who get the full (or part) rate of Youth Allowance or Newstart Allowance can volunteer to participate in a Work for the Dole activity.
All Work for the Dole participants get an extra $20.80 per fortnight. Protective clothing is provided by the project sponsor if it is needed. Essential training, such as occupational health and safety training, is also provided.
Wollongong City Employment Training has a huge variety of Work for the Dole projects for job seeks. We have experienced trainers and staff to help you get the most out of your Work for the Dole experience.
WFD is funded by the Department of Employment Workplace Relations
Just some of the pluses for Work for the Dole are:
- You learn practical skills
- You gain industry knowledge
- Great way to meet some people
- Contribute to not for profit organisations that would not otherwise be able to afford the manpower.
- Gain confidence
Training Credits
Any participant that completes the required amount of hours on their Work for the Dole or Community Work activities can earn Training Credits. The required hours to earn Training Credits and values are set out in the table below. Please note $300 worth of Training Credits are available for early access after 13 weeks for WFD participants only. This is subject to approval, please contact WCET office on 4227 1715 if you would like to utilise these.
| Number of hours work experience I will do | Value of Training Credit I will Receive |
||
| Aged under 21 | Aged 21 and over | Full Time WFD | |
| 310 | 390 | 1100 | $800.00 |
28 days after completion you will receive a letter from DEWR advising of your eligibility for Training Credits. Your CWC is there to help you with your choices and to advise on the best way to utilise your Training Credits. It is your responsibility to arrange any training courses and contact your CWC for processing of the training invoice. During your Work for the Dole placement you are able to “bank” hours. However you cannot exceed the total of 48 hours for the 18 to 20 age group and 60 hours for the 21 to 49 age group, per fortnight. This allows you time to complete your Mutual Obligation by job seeking etc. By banking hours you are able to access your training credits earlier. Contained in this package you will find a brochure on Training Credits.
Volunteering for WFD
PSP, DEN, DOES and JPET clients can volunteer, please discuss with your provider.
