If you’re already studying or thinking about starting a Certificate IV in Mental Health, a traineeship opportunity such as Wellways’ Earn and Learn Traineeship or the Lived Experience Peer Cadet program, could be your next big opportunity.
The Earn and Learn Traineeship
Now in its second year, the Earn and Learn Traineeship, funded by the Victorian Government, offers pathways to employment in the mental health sector. Like last year’s cohort, this year’s trainees gain 12 months of hands-on experience in community mental health, earning a full-time wage while studying two days a week. This initiative is designed to build a strong and capable workforce for Victoria’s mental health system.
After a successful inaugural year where all trainees remained in the sector and 80% continued with Wellways, this year’s program has expanded. Trainees are spread across both regional and suburban areas in Victoria to address the need for mental health services in more rural communities. The 2024/25 cohort gains exposure to a wider range of services, promoting diverse career opportunities and helping trainees build versatile skills.
The best part? You don’t need a background in mental health to be involved in the traineeship. Take Paul Sokalski, for example. After a seven-year career in online safety and digital risk intelligence, he shifted gears to mental health, pursuing a Certificate IV in Mental Health and AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs). The Earn and Learn program offered him the perfect balance between work and study, allowing him to gain real-world experience while learning.
Paul Sokalski, Earn and Learn Trainee in Geelong, Victoria
Paul’s role in the Service Navigation and Well Connected programs involves intake assessments, co-facilitating groups, and outreach with Peer Support Recovery Workers. This hands-on experience has given him invaluable insights into the participant journey – from referral to services and beyond.
“Offering the work-study balance, whilst providing on-the-job experience to get to know the industry and work not just from the theoretical side provided by the teaching body, but the practical, real-life experience, seemed like the perfect option,” says Paul.
How Wellways supports trainees
Trainees are provided with workplace supervision, training, and education to meet their development needs. Regular Earn and Learn sessions offer a space for reflective practice, shared experiences, and peer support.
Paul highlights the welcoming environment at Wellways: “Since day one, I felt welcomed and accepted in the office. My manager did an amazing job by introducing me to everyone and making me feel comfortable, and everyone in the office was very open to have a chat and get to know me. I soon realised that I made the right decision, and I have no regrets.”
For those transitioning into the mental health field, like Paul, Wellways offers an environment where questions are encouraged, no matter how big or small. “Everyone I met or worked with was keen to share their experience and knowledge with me,” he adds.
Paul sums up his journey as an Earn and Learn trainee: “Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience.”
Explore Wellways Traineeships
If you’re considering a career in mental health, explore a Certificate IV in Mental Health or Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work and apply for a traineeship with Wellways.
The Earn and Learn Traineeship Program
