UOW aged care training for Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Snowy Monaro widens to include disability and Indigenous healthcare
The University of Wollongong (UOW) and UOW College have secured Australian Government funding through a Department of Health, Disability and Ageing initiative to deliver a regional healthcare traineeship pilot across south-eastern New South Wales. The program addresses critical workforce shortages and will run from 2026 to 2027, with 45 places across the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Snowy Monaro.
Building on four years of partnership with aged care providers in the Bega Valley and Southern Highlands, UOW College is expanding its training program into the Snowy Monaro for the first time, with traineeships delivered from Cooma, while extending beyond aged care to include disability and Indigenous healthcare.
"We're seeing significant workforce shortages across aged care, disability and Indigenous healthcare. This program is designed to bring new people into the sector – from school leavers to career changers – and support them to train and work locally, strengthening care for regional communities," UOW Regional Campuses Manager Samantha Avitaia said.
After completing a short course and two two-week paid placements, participants may apply for a one-year paid traineeship in disability support, aged care, or Indigenous healthcare.
"This program offers flexibility, so participants might complete the short course and gain foundational skills, continue into paid work placements to explore different settings, or progress into a longer traineeship. Each stage includes an earn-and-learn component, which is especially valuable for regional students," Ms Avitaia said.
UOW Southern Highlands student Dakota Yasso began her healthcare journey through a fee-free traineeship in 2023 while working in aged care. She has since completed the program and is now in her second year of a Bachelor of Nursing at UOW.
"It was local, free and directly connected to my career goals, so enrolling was an easy decision," Dakota said. "The traineeship helped bring theory and practice together in my day-to-day role and opened the pathway towards becoming a registered nurse."
Open to recent school leavers, healthcare workers seeking to upskill, career changers, and migrants and refugees (including funded places for non-permanent residents) the program also offers employers a free opportunity to train their staff.
Those interested in building a healthcare career through a traineeship, can learn more and apply via the UOW College website: https://www.uowcollege.edu.au/courses-pathways/short-courses/. Applications close 19 April 2026.
This program is supported by funding from the NSW Government under the NSW Smart & Skilled program.
