Queensland provider expands in-house training to address workforce gaps

With its employees revealing a desire for greater career progression, residential and home care service provider Anglicare Southern Queensland introduced a new in-house training program.

Staff have consistently shared feedback through twice-yearly services that they want defined career pathways and ways to progress their careers within the organisation.

Anglicare Southern Queensland was especially interested in enabling its support service workers to gain a Certificate III so they could progress to qualified roles and help fill critical workforce gaps. 

“We acknowledge there is a workforce supply problem in Australia for qualified aged care workers, so providing this training provides a career pathway for our current employees and also addresses the broader workforce demands,” Sue Montgomery, Group Manager, Home and Community Services, Anglicare Southern Queensland, explained.

Roughly 20 employees have expanded their scope of practice through the training thus far, with more to follow.

“We have received positive feedback from those who have completed the traineeship with one trainee telling us it was the best thing they ever did. We were excited when over 65 staff put their hand up to participate in our next intake and we look forward to more positive outcomes for both clients and our employees,” Ms Montgomery added. 

According to the 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census Report, roughly 66% of personal care workers hold a Certificate III or higher, while the 2023 Aged Care Provider Workforce Survey reported 46% of directly employers personal care workers have a Certificate III.

The qualification provides a firm foundation for workers who want to develop their skills and expand their knowledge. 

“One of our highest priorities is to ensure we have a workforce who are skilled and competent at providing quality care for our clients,” Ms Montgomery added. 

She said providing quality training in-house and the opportunity for increased wages helps to increase the organisation’s chances of retaining valued staff. 

“This training will support our organisation to reduce staff turnover by providing career pathways and increasing the satisfaction of our employees, which is ultimately better for clients as we can provide consistent care and staff for our clients,” she said.

“Staff will benefit from knowing that Anglicare Southern Queensland values them and is interested in developing their careers in aged care.”

The training, delivered in partnership with a traineeship service provider, features additional support supervision and mentorship that feeds into the organisation’s overall workplace network. 

Ms Montgomery was pleased to see participants remain highly engaged and motivated throughout the entire program. She also acknowledged the dedication of the traineeship support team working to encourage and educate participants. 

“The genuine interest in mentoring and sharing of expertise from our supervisors, and the networking amongst the trainees across Queensland at each training session, created a collaborative atmosphere that made learning enjoyable through shared experiences while making valuable connections,” she said.

“The trainees also expressed their enjoyment with the practical days as part of the training, where they came together as a group to learn invaluable home care worker applied skills from their trainer, and each other, for future employment opportunities.”