Partnership aims to bolster workforce
South Australia home care services provider Helping Hand has teamed with an Adelaide-based training college to offer career opportunities in the sector.
South Australia home care services provider Helping Hand has teamed with an Adelaide-based training college to offer career opportunities in the sector.
The not-for-profit – which also provides residential care and allied health care – has partnered with Findon Technical College in an effort to respond to the future needs of the home care industry.
Open to students in years 10 and 12, the college will provide job-ready training to ensure students are qualified to enter the aged care workforce once they finish their South Australian Certificate of Education or vocational studies.
“Many young people are interested in caring roles in our community and that includes allied health, aged care and social support roles,” said Natalie Morris – Helping Hand executive manager people, culture and quality.
By partnering with Helping Hand, the college will be able to provide educational opportunities onsite and as placements.
Helping Hand – which supports more than 7,000 older people in more than 20 locations across metropolitan and regional SA – will employ up to 20 students a year once they have completed their training and are ready to hit the ground running.
“By creating a pathway for students, we can encourage them to consider a career with an aged care provider, which they can walk into immediately after completing their studies,” said Ms Morris.
Helping Hand hopes the collaboration will address the state’s ageing population and the growing need to increase its workforce to ensure its community clients and care home residents will continue to be adequately cared for.
“Working in aged care is extremely rewarding,” said Ms Morris, “and we’re thrilled to be involved in this unique partnership.”
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