Under the guidance of Robin Gossip, students will get firsthand experience and knowledge in caring for people being supported in residential Aged Care facilities. 

Manager Community Services & Health, Liz Gray, said after seven students successfully gained employment after the last course, she hopes to see even more local people gaining employment in the Aged Care sector.

“It’s for people who are either job seekers or wanting to work in aged care or the community services sector,” Liz said. 

Liz said it is a growing sector, with the need for more skilled workers in aged and community care needed more than ever before. 

“The Department of Health advised, ‘It is estimated the aged care sector will need to expand its workforce from 366,000 to 980,000 by 2050, to respond to demand from population ageing’”. 

“We have an increasing ageing population, people are living longer, there’s an increase in longevity and a greater number of people over 85 years over age.”

Liz said the students gain both theoretical and practical skills  to prepare them for their work placement experience. 

“They have practice in simulations, providing personal care, taking blood pressure and blood sugars for example. They get a good practical grounding before they are out at work placement, where they are buddied up with existing staff,” she said. 

“They will have face to face training in Cowra on Mondays and Tuesdays and three weeks of work placement throughout the course.” 

If you are interested in taking part in the course, contact OCTEC Cowra on 6341 1041. Applications close on August 5.

The qualification is entry level requirement for working in aged care.