Catholic schools meet the challenge of an ageing population

A partnership between local schools and Aged Care providers in the south-east metro area is providing young and enthusiastic new workers to an industry feeling the pressure of skill shortages. The training program 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.

Catholic Homes Inc, Braemar Presbyterian Care, The Bethanie Group, Brightwater Care Group, SwanCare Group and Uniting Church Homes are at the forefront in engaging with local schools and bridging the gap between the generations.

Year 11 students from Ursula Frayne Catholic College and Lumen Christi College commenced the program at the beginning of the year with training at Central TAFE, with many being offered school-based traineeships, which will continue into 2012.

The partnership, brokered by Canning Coalition Inc is a School Business Community Partnership Broker funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. It was launched in the presence of Peter Collier, Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Margaret Collins, Regional Director, South Metropolitan Education Region, Department of Education, Ms Genevie Baker, Senior Secondary Learning and Teaching Consultant from the Catholic Education Office, representatives from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, schools, participating students and their parents.