South Australians will be able to fast-track their careers in aged care thanks to a new traineeship being offered by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Education Centre (ANMEC).
Minister for Industry and Skills David Pisoni who announced the project today as part of Skilling South Australia, said investing in aged care workers is crucial to the state's future.
"South Australia - like many regions worldwide - faces challenges posed by an ageing population," he said.
"It is important to establish a skilled workforce to meet the future demand for qualified carers.
"While this is obviously a fundamental step to ensure our elderly residents have access to high-quality support, it also presents economic benefits as job opportunities continue to emerge."
The ANMEC Aged Care Project will help 20 people enter a thriving sector through a paid traineeship in a residential facility or community/home care.
"Participants will now have the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and trainees can complete their qualification in 12 months through both classroom and on-the-job learning," Minister Pisoni said.
"They will be matched with an experienced mentor to help them adapt to the culture and responsibilities of the job."
ANMEC's Head of Learning and Development, Leanne Hague who works closely with some of South Australia's largest aged care providers, said they have identified the sourcing of appropriately qualified and properly committed staff, as a major challenge.
"The ANMEC Aged Care Project provides an opportunity to help providers immediately address their staffing shortages by upskilling new or existing staff members with a Certificate III in Individual Support, making them valuable and qualified aged care employees," she said.
"Resources are tight in aged care organisations, so the Skilling South Australia funding has made it possible to access training opportunities that would not have otherwise been offered.
"This will benefit staff, our elderly loved ones in their care and a sector suffering a skilled workforce shortage."
The ANMEC Aged Care Project is one of more than 30 Skilling South Australia projects creating apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities across the state.
More information is available through Skilling South Australia Project Guidelines
