Students in Victoria studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work will soon be able to apply for a cadetship with Mind through the Victorian government’s Peer Cadet Program.
Mind is one of nine community service organisations taking part in the program, which provides paid employment opportunities for people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges.
The Peer Cadet Program gives students in the final stages of their studies valuable opportunities to learn their professional in real workplace settings. Peer cadets receive supervision, training and reflective practice in a structured environment, to help them develop professional knowledge, skills and confidence.
This is the third year Mind has participated in the Peer Cadet Program, and there are three cadetships available.
Rachael King recently completed her peer cadetship with Mind. She said the opportunity to work alongside an experienced peer support worker has given her more tools in her toolbox.
“Mind has supported me to support others, and encouraged me to share my perspectives and explore my ideas. This has been a genuine, authentic placement and a wholesome experience on so many levels. I feel like I’ve got everything out of the Peer Cadet Program and I couldn’t be more grateful,” she said.
“This experience has encouraged me to show compassion in my work and it has taught me to believe in myself. The Peer Cadet Program has been the best place to start if you want to become job ready.”