The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) has today received a $420,000 National Career Institute Partnership grant from the Federal Government for the establishment of the ACT Health and Community Services Careers Hub. The Careers Hub will increase the awareness of career paths in the ACT's health and community sectors.
ACTCOSS CEO, Dr Emma Campbell said: "We are incredibly grateful for this generous and important funding from the Federal Government.
"The ACT Health and Community Service Careers Hub will enhance career pathways in our sector to help people reach their full career potential and allow for stronger collaboration in the delivery of careers guidance.
"The need for community services including childcare, aged care and disability supports continues to increase in the ACT due to population growth and the ageing population. We want to ensure that we have a skilled and motivated workforce so that all Australians receive the care and support that they deserve."
In the ACT, competition from the Federal and ACT public service as well as the private sector, creates additional challenges for the community sector when trying to attract young people and experienced workers to careers in the social service sector.
Dr Campbell continued: "Evidence shows that health and community sector careers are often poorly perceived. Those of us already working in the sector know that community sector careers are challenging and rewarding; they provide exciting career pathways and opportunities.
"This funding for the ACT Health and Community Service Careers Hub will work to change perceptions of work in community and social service organisations and attract Australians to the fastest growing sector in our economy.
"The project will provide clear messaging to young people and others who are looking for values-driven work by highlighting the health and community sector's role in positive social change and supporting our community.
"It will also help to ensure that workers already engaged in the social service sector can better understand the opportunities available to them to achieve their career aspirations while remaining in the sector.
"ACTCOSS looks forward to the project and working with the employers, education and training providers as well as the government to create awareness of the viable career paths in the community sector," Dr Campbell concluded.
