The Department of Training and Workforce Development has announced a pilot training program aimed at building a pipeline of workers in the social assistance and allied health industry.
Under the program, job-ready participants will be connected to opportunities for employment and further training with industry partners.
Developed in partnership with the industry to meet its workforce needs, the Ageing and Disability Job Ready pilot program is now open for applications with the first intake of students beginning this week.
In a statement, the Department said the program was free for all job seekers, young people and concession-eligible students.
“Students will enrol in the new Introduction to Direct Support skill set, which includes a work placement with participating employers,” the Department said.
“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.”
Minster for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said there was growing demand for disability and aged care workers around the State.
“This program will help more Western Australians to join the disability and aged care workforce by providing real, hands-on experience in the industry,” Ms Ellery said.
“Our continuing investment in building a strong and adaptable training system is the key to ensuring Western Australia’s long term economic prosperity.”
Minister for Disability Services and Seniors and Ageing, Don Punch said that with an ageing population and more than 400,000 Australians accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme, aged care and disability support were amongst the nation’s fastest growing industries and provided many employment opportunities.
The program is to be expanded to the Goldfields and Wheatbelt regions in May.
