The NSW Government has encouraged aged care providers to lodge Expressions of Interest (EOI) for an Australian-first trial where aged care facilities will be co-located with on-the-job training for students at TAFE NSW campuses, with the deadline fast approaching.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, John Barilaro, and Assistant Minister for Skills, Adam Marshall, said aged care and retirement living providers have until 19 April to lodge their EOIs. 

In the past four years, TAFE NSW's enrolments in Health have grown 48 per cent, with enrolments in Community Services up more than 15 per cent.

Recent statistics have revealed that up to half of the workforce in the aged care sector will be approaching retirement age in 15 years.

"This is a first for Australia, where TAFE NSW will work with a leading industry provider to trial the co-location of seniors living and Vocational Education and Training (VET) across regional and metropolitan NSW," Mr Barilaro said.                                                   

"A key part of the initiative is the requirement to have an additional rural or regional site if the bid is for a metropolitan site, meaning our students and seniors living in remote areas have the same access to on-the-job training and quality care.

"This partnership will ensure industry plays a key role in the education and training of our future skilled workforce to meet the needs of Australia's ageing population."

Mr Marshall said the project is an exciting and unique opportunity for TAFE NSW, the nation's largest VET provider, to pilot new community and aged care training.

"It's our priority to ensure rural and regional areas are getting the same level of service as the city. TAFE NSW has made more than 150 sites around NSW available for the project, with the option to construct or repurpose existing TAFE NSW buildings," Mr Marshall said.

"The partnership is another important milestone in the One TAFE reforms that will see TAFE NSW become more efficient, innovative and better able to meet the needs of teachers, students and future employers in all parts of NSW."

For further information, visit tafensw.edu.au/seniorseoi

MEDIA: Frank Coletta
Deputy Premier

Jonathon Moore
Minister Marshall