Industry embraces training as key focus

Training and qualifications within aged care have been hot topics around the nation as of late, with new initiatives and partnerships suggesting that improving these areas are a focus for the industry.

A partnership between industry peak body Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) and Universal Care Training (UCT) is the latest training initiative to be brought into the spotlight, following the official announcement at LASA’s Congress in Adelaide this week.

LASA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sean Rooney says the new partnership with UCT – who specialise in providing training and education resources to the community services sector – is all about delivering a comprehensive suite of in-person and online training courses for the aged services industry.

“This partnership builds on LASA’s existing courses offered through LASA Aged Care Training Institute,” he explains.

“[The Institute] delivers a range of vocational qualifications and skill sets for the age services workforce.

“Courses are available year round for accredited training and professional development.

“This partnership with UCT allows LASA to expand how we support our membership, as part of our commitment to being a strong voice and helping hand for all providers of age services.”

Training offered under the partnership is available in person and online, including web-based courses, with training programs also able to be developed specifically for individual organisations and delivered on site to its workforce.

UTC CEO Gregory McCauley says the two organisations, UCT and LASA, have been working together to identify and meet the training needs of the sector.

“Meeting the demands of compliance, professional development and duty of care for all community services sector organisations is our priority,” he says.

“LASA members now have ready access to a wide range of affordable eLearning courses developed in collaboration with experienced care professionals.

“UCT’s eLearning courses also include training videos, interactive learning experiences and knowledge-based quizzes.

“Employees are able to complete the eLearning courses with self-paced flexibility and convenience using a PC… or other internet enabled device at a time and location that suits them.”

Federal Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt says he supports the industry’s investment in training, also taking the opportunity to highlight what the newly developed Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will be working on in the same space.

“I welcome initiatives that further increase the professionalism and pride in our highly valued aged care workforce,” he says.

“As I have said, there is no doubt that a professional, proud and respected workforce is the key to quality aged care.

“Twelve months ago, our Government commissioned the production of Australia’s first industry-led aged care workforce strategy, which was released in September and we are now supporting its execution by the aged care sector.

“The recent formation of an Industry Reference Committee to guide national qualifications and training is a vital step in ensuring dedicated aged care staff have the right skills and can enjoy rewarding and fulfilling careers.

“The IRC will work right across the vocational education and training and higher education sectors to bolster the development and major expansion of our professional aged care workforce.”

This article was originally published on www.agedcareguide.com.au on 3/11/18. Author unkown.