Students have undertaken real-world training every Wednesday.
They are hosted by Cobram Regional Care, which has included accredited units to give them a pathway into the industry, while alleviating current and projected local workforce needs.
Lucie Redman and Felicity Geisler have both been undertaking the Health, Disability and Aged Care pathway since term two of 2022 and will soon be involved in industry immersion experiences with healthcare providers across Moira Shire.
“The (Health, Disability and Aged Care pathway) program has helped me decide what I want to do after school and given me opportunities to understand more about the workplace,“ Lucie said.
Felicity said it had been a rewarding experience.
“It’s been good interacting with residents and has helped me figure out that I want to pursue a career in allied health,” Felicity said.
They are now spending time “on the floor” with Cobram Regional Care staff to support residents as they engage in activities such as mini golf and bowling.
They will also hear from speakers from other community providers including NCN Health, MHA Care and PALS Disability Inc, as they continue the program.
The Shepparton-based Industry Training Hub and Partners in Training have collaborated on the program, which offers entry level units and industry exposure in an effort to promote health and community service pathways.
It also aims to attract interested students and keep them in the region.
The program was created to address a need for more vocational health pathways for secondary students and address health industry skill shortages.
Cobram Regional Care’s corporate service coordinator Samantha Ridley said it had had issues attracting staff in domestic services, food services and personal care.
“Students being hosted by Cobram Regional Care would be able to undertake tasks in a real workplace setting, embedding their learning with practical application in the workplace,” Ms Ridley said.
“Support for the aged is a unique career choice that is not suitable for everyone, so on-site placements provide students with an opportunity to understand the full requirements of working in the industry prior to choosing to continue in the field and gaining permanent employment.”
PALS Disability Inc has also experienced staffing issues in the past and is now considering turning some clients away due to a lack of available, trained staff.
“It takes time and commitment to train and for staff to become skilled,” PALS Disability business services manager Paul Quinane said.
“Support workers are in very high demand and the disability support service industry is seeing a tremendous shortage of labour.
“We fully support the project, designed to promote career pathways in aged care, disability and health and to link local senior secondary students directly with regional employers to address regional skills shortages.”
20°C