18 March 2024

The CEO of a Cootamundra aged care facility has welcomed a move by TAFE NSW Cootamundra to reintroduce a critical healthcare course amid a deepening skills shortage in the industry.

For the first time in almost a decade, a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance will be offered at TAFE NSW Cootamundra from May, empowering locals to launch a career in the care sector.

Health services assistants, also known as assistants in nursing, help make a difference in the lives of others by supporting nurses in hospitals or aged care facilities to care for patients with various needs.

It comes as a recent report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) warned that the skills shortage in aged care in Australia could reach 110,000 or more in the next decade and 400,000 by 2050.

CEO of Adina Care Cootamundra Graeme Sloane said the shortage was even more pronounced in regional areas, applauding the return of the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at TAFE NSW Cootamundra

“This is a wonderful decision for Cootamundra and means local people will be able to gain skills and experience without having to leave the community,” Mr Sloane said.     

“It is already widely recognised that providing health care training in rural areas is a key factor in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce in these areas.”    

TAFE NSW Cootamundra Head Teacher of Nursing Jacqui Longmore said a new full-time nursing teacher appointed to Cootamundra would enable TAFE NSW to offer a suite of new health courses in future.

“There is so much demand locally for entry level positions and this course will help start you on your journey to a rewarding career,” Ms Longmore said.

“It’s a great course to walk straight into a job or as a stepping stone to nursing.”

The course includes a requirement for 80 hours’ work placement, meaning students will gain hands on, job-ready skills while still studying.

Ms Longmore said students could use credits from the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance towards a Diploma of Nursing, which is also offered at TAFE NSW Cootamundra.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, Daniel.johns9@tafensw.edu.au, 0477 722 428