the Aged Care Today magazine featured articles

A 12-month program launching in October 2023 in Queensland, it focused on building a dynamic workforce by tapping into the potential of young talent and underrepresented cohorts including individuals identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Not just about bridging the generational divide, culturally appropriate care is increasingly important in our multicultural society, with workers from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds particularly helpful when it comes to providing aged care services to our Indigenous Elders.

Funded by the Queensland Government through its Growing Workforce Participation Fund, the Aged Care is the Place to Be program played an important role in building the aged care workforce in that state, as well as enhancing diversity and workforce capacity.

With ongoing workforce shortages and young people struggling to find meaningful employment, the Aged Care is the Place to Be program also tackled these issues head-on, providing a platform for job seekers to launch their career in aged care.

The program provided comprehensive career pathway resources, enabling candidates to explore diverse aged care roles and empowering them to make informed decisions about their aged care careers, ensuring a suitable fit for the sector.

With a focus on employment outcomes, the program offered targeted help for candidates including interview preparation and career guidance.

Through the program, ACCPA helped recruit and support 107 job seekers and 58 aged and community care providers across Queensland.

Another 49 job seekers took the opportunity to complete the ‘Introduction to Aged Care’ micro-credential, a free online learning module that provided foundational knowledge for entry level roles. The micro-credential program was effective in identifying passionate candidates while equipping them with practical skills that align with the needs of the sector.

Chelsea Retsas, a 24-year-old Aged Care is the Place to Be participant from Ipswich, said the program was pivotal in guiding her career path and purpose.

“The program opened my eyes to a fulfilling career. Previously I didn’t know a lot about the various roles and job opportunities in the sector,” she said.

“I’m now working as a personal care worker and loving every moment. The older people I work with have said how much they enjoy my visits, and I’m really getting a lot out of it too.”

Through the program, Chelsea was employed by Milford Grange in Ipswich, and she is now undertaking a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability).

Bolton Clarke’s Workforce Business Partner Liz Jones said, “Chelsea is doing amazing work at Milford Grange and the hiring manager is singing her praises.

“We’re incredibly pleased that the program has attracted a younger cohort into aged care, it’s especially helpful in breaking down the generational divide, and it also supports a sustainable workforce into the future.”

Participating providers were supported by ACCPA throughout the program and connected with suitable candidates, streamlining their recruitment process by supplying pre-screened candidates.

Amanda Sheehan is the Talent Acquisition Lead at Infinite Care in Regional North Queensland and has said the operational efficiencies for recruitment were clear.

“Program candidates were already vetted for interest and passion in aged care, and they demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge during the interview process, so the pre-screening process was really helpful for us,” said Amanda.

ACCPA is proud to have worked with the Queensland Government and to have contributed to not only supporting the sector with qualified and skilled workers, but also to be bringing generations together, to help create a culture of respect and understanding in Australia.