TAFE NSW has partnered with BaptistCare to deliver crucial training to the next generation of aged care workers at a time when the industry is experiencing a major skills shortage. 

The new traineeship partnership will see 17 BaptistCare Residential Aged Care employees across the state undertake training in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) tailored specifically for BaptistCare.  

The course will give students theoretical knowledge of the aged care sector to assist with the practical component of their traineeship. It is designed to address the growing demand for care workers and provide a new recruitment pathway for current and future recruitment shortages. 

There is an immediate demand for skilled aged care workers with the number of Australians aged 65 and over predicted to more than double in the next 40 years with around 40,000 Australians expected to be over the age of 100 by 2055.[1] 

Allan Waters, General Manager of BaptistCare Residential Services, said the partnership was a positive move forward for a sector that has been affected and challenged by skill shortages and the impacts of COVID-19.  

“There is a real need and a huge demand for skilled aged care workers, something we have seen and heard time and time again throughout the Royal Commission. This partnership comes at a time where the need for change and growth in the aged care sector is critical,” Mr Waters said. 

TAFE NSW Team Leader of Community Services, Rebeccah Matthews, said the partnership had come at the right time with students learning practical skills like how to provide individualised support to clients with diverse needs, how to empower clients to reach their independence goals, and how to provide information and advice to clients on their oral health. 

“TAFE NSW is proud to deliver crucial training to Baptist Care employees and fill the skills gaps that exist in a sector that provides essential services to the Australian community. 

“TAFE NSW is well positioned to support industries and businesses through flexible and customised training to meet specific business needs that allow students to have the skills they need to meet employer needs, now and in the future,” Ms Matthews said. 

Under the NSW Government’s fee-free apprenticeship and traineeship initiative, the government will pay the course cost for 70,000 new traineeships for businesses.  

TAFE NSW offers customised workplace training options for businesses that are flexible, modern, and delivered by industry experts. To find out more about how TAFE NSW customises training for businesses visit, www.tafensw.edu.au/enterprise or call 1300 045 737.  

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211 

[1] https://treasury.gov.au/publication/2015-igr/chapter-1-how-will-australia-change-over-the-next-40-years#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20Australians%20aged,to%20be%20aged%20over%20100.