WA schools tackle ageing population

A PARTNERSHIP between local schools and aged care providers in the south-east metropolitan area is providing young and enthusiastic new workers to an industry feeling the pressure of skill shortages.
The training programme offers students vocational pathways leading to enrolled nursing, business administration and community services.
Employers have embraced the Aged Care Partnership and the introduction of school based trainees as a welcome addition to their industry.
The aim of the Aged Care Partnership is to raise awareness of the aged care sector and to address a growing skill shortage exacerbated by the ageing population and competition from other industries.
The partnership has been developed with the support of Aged and Community Services WA (ACSWA) and the Community Services, Health and Education Training Council.
Braemar Presbyterian Care, The Bethanie Group, Brightwater Care Group, Catholic Homes Inc, SwanCare Group and Uniting Church Homes are at the forefront in engaging with local schools and bridging the gap between the generations.
Maureen Williams, Executive Manager Organisational Development at Braemar Presbyterian Care said it is a “great opportunity to not only implement training programmes that directly reflect the needs of our sector, but to build partnerships and pathways for students wishing to explore career opportunities in the aged care sector”.
Year 11 students from Kent Street Senior High School, Como Secondary College, Ursula Frayne Catholic College and Lumen Christi Catholic College commenced the programme at the beginning of the year with training at Central TAFE, with many being offered school-based traineeships, which will continue into 2012.
A celebratory event is scheduled for 5 July at 6pm at the State Tennis Centre, Burswood.
Employers and school representatives will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to confirm their ongoing commitment to the partnership moving forward.
The partnership, brokered by Canning Coalition Inc, a School Business Community Partnership Broker funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, will be launched in the presence of Peter Collier, Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Margaret Collins, Regional Director, South Metropolitan Education Region, Department of Education, representatives from Catholic Education Office, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, schools and participating students and their parents.