TAFE NSW is partnering with major aged care providers across NSW to train a new generation of workers amid a huge demand for skilled staff in within the sector.

In mid-2021, a report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia found that a staggering 400,000 new workers would be needed by 2050 to meet the demand for aged care services.

For those contemplating a new career or lifestyle change, an aged care traineeship can offer a pathway into full-time employment in just 12 months with the completion of a nationally recognised Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) with TAFE NSW.

Paul Sadler, CEO of peak industry body ACSA (Aged & Community Services Australia) said many services are currently struggling to employ the workers they need to take on new clients.

“Australia’s aged care workforce is reaching a crisis point and this has been made substantially worse by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Sadler said.

“Vocational education will play an essential role in addressing this acute workforce shortage, and TAFE NSW is at the forefront of providing the practical skills new workers need to care for older Australians.”

Major aged care providers such as BaptistCare are now offering traineeships in partnership with TAFE NSW across their state-wide operations in a bid to attract more staff.

“The message is simple: we need new workers and we are happy to train you,” BaptistCare Senior Learning and Development Consultant Kerry Martin said.

“Traineeships in residential aged care and home care are ideal because new workers can start immediately and undertake on-the-job training while completing their studies at TAFE NSW. Our trainees have the security of knowing they will graduate as qualified care workers with a guaranteed job. We encourage anyone with a caring nature to think seriously about a career in aged care.”

BaptistCare trainee Victoria Luff works at the Morven Gardens Aged Care Centre in Leura after deciding to make a career change from the fitness industry. The 50-year-old mum of three from Rouse Hill said the traineeship enabled her to upskill professionally around her family commitments.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, I got work as part of an emergency team at Morven Gardens providing support to the primary aged care workers. When the traineeship was mentioned, I jumped at the opportunity,” Victoria said.

“I was caring for my mother at the time, and then found out my father had terminal cancer. I was blessed to be able to do my traineeship and have dad at Morven Gardens, where I cared for him in his last four months of life. I love what I do – it’s an absolute privilege to work in aged care and look after people.”

TAFE NSW aged care teacher Tanya Ziermann said the sector offered the rare combination of job satisfaction and security.

“It’s a wonderful profession for compassionate people who want a new start or a career in which there is more flexibility to choose your hours,” Ms Ziermann said.

“When you work in aged care you are making a real difference by helping someone retain dignity as they age. It’s very rewarding to help care for someone in those years and it is definitely more than just a job.”

Explore hundreds of courses in nursing and healthcare at TAFE NSW. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.
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Media contact: Terra Sword, Communications Specialist. Phone: 6623 0325. Email: terra.sword@tafensw.edu.au.