Cancelled training puts career on hold

A Rockingham man has lost almost $2000 and the potential for a new job after a training organisation folded three days after he started a new course.

Mitchell Wilkinson started a Certificate III in Aged Care last month, paying $1750 to undertake the seven-week course through Applied Care Training.

The course was subsequently set to be delivered by Wise Training, with Mr Wilkinson starting his studies on September 27 in East Perth.

However, three days later on September 30 he arrived to find the doors locked and the teacher claiming the course had been suspended.

Mr Wilkinson was undertaking the course potentially to start a new job at a Rockingham nursing home but has had to put his plans on hold.

Since then, the Rockingham man and his mother Marisa have tried to get their money back but have not had a refund.

Mr Wilkinson said his studies being suspended was the last thing he expected and he was forced to volunteer without pay to increase his experience without having the relevant qualification.

Mrs Wilkinson said her son could not afford to undertake a new course without getting a refund.

“I don’t know where his money has gone, I don’t know where his identification has gone,” she said.

“It’s so hard because no one will take responsibility.”

A message on the Applied Care website states no programs are being delivered until further notice and directed people to the Wise Education Group.

A Wise spokeswoman said the company had terminated a third-party arrangement with Applied Care and were taking legal action against them.

“Applied Care Training was to deliver the course themselves and overnight they suspended courses and locked the doors to their premises,” she said.

“We were not advised and found out after the event ourselves — the notification on the website was posted without our knowledge or permission.

“We are working with students to complete their qualification at our own cost and have also contacted government departments on behalf of students.”

Mrs Wilkinson said Wise had not offered assistance or further training to her son.