The WA State Government has launched a new short course to create a pipeline of workers in the social assistance and allied health industry, as part of their $5.5 billion investment in WA Recovery Plan initiatives to upskill the WA workforce and enhance employment and training opportunities following COVID-19.
Developed in partnership with industry to meet its workforce needs, the new Ageing and Disability Job Ready program is free for all jobseekers, young people, and concession-eligible students. It includes a training component; the Introduction to Direct Support skill set, and a work placement component where participants will gain hands on industry experience in an aged care and/or disability support workplace. The training covers key skills needed for entry level work, such as how to comply with infection prevention and control; conduct manual tasks safely; meet personal support needs; and communicate and work in health and community services.
On completion of the course, students will be connected with opportunities to transition into employment, undertake a traineeship with a participating employer or further their training to gain a disability or aged care qualification.
The program, which was developed in consultation with Community Skills Western Australia and key industry partners. will be available initially through North Metropolitan and South Metropolitan TAFEs and private training providers Activ Foundation, Amana Living Incorporated, Insight Training Group Australia and Centacare Employment and Training. It will be expanded to the Goldfields and Wheatbelt regions in May 2021.
Employers have the opportunity to host a work placement student and, if the student transitions into a traineeship, will be able to access State and Australian Government incentives or wage subsides.