24 January 2022

A leading aged care provider has thrown its support behind a TAFE NSW Griffith decision to reintroduce aged care training locally.

For the first time in nearly 10 years, a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) will be offered at TAFE NSW Griffith from this month, aimed at giving locals the practical skills to secure employment in the high-demand industry.

A recent Productivity Commission report found more than 3.5 million Australians were expected to be using aged care services by 2050, about triple the current number.

Pioneer’s Lodge Griffith chairman Joe Amato welcomed the reintroduction of the face-to-face course at TAFE NSW Griffith and said it would help build a strong aged care workforce in the region.

“Aged care offers very rewarding career experiences and provides opportunities to really get to know the people you care for and make a difference to their lives,” Mr Amato said.

“There’s so much more to aged care than people may think and we are very pleased that TAFE NSW will be offering this training.”

The new 12-month course will commence in late January and will require students to attend the campus one day a week and complete 120 hours of work placement.

TAFE NSW Griffith aged care teacher Debbie Healey said TAFE NSW’s close ties with aged care providers such as Pioneer’s Lodge meant TAFE NSW graduates could get almost-guaranteed work in the field.

“TAFE NSW aged care students are in such high demand because of the industry-leading practical skills and workplace experience available through TAFE NSW,” Ms Healey said.

“Providing dignity and care to our older residents is one of the most important jobs anyone can do and there are so many job opportunities out there for our graduates.

“Having a qualification that gives you almost guaranteed employment will be even more attractive in the post-COVID jobs market.”

She said an ageing - and growing - population in Griffith had increased demand for aged care services locally, prompting TAFE NSW to reintroduce the course.

For more information or to enrol, call 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, (02) 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428