Providers of aged care, disability, and Aboriginal primary health based in Eurobodalla, Bega Valley, and Snowy Monaro have an opportunity to help build the local care workforce, thanks to a partnership between the University of Wollongong and a number of partner agencies including COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN. 

COORDINARE's Acting CEO Juanita Murphy said, "This new cross-sector training and workforce development program aims to build the local, culturally safe skilled workforce across the aged care, disability, and Aboriginal health sectors in South Eastern NSW.” 

"For relevant providers who host work placements or employ a trainee, the program offers placement scholarships, supervisor support payments, apprenticeship incentives, and a cross sector community of practice,” she said. 

“In this economic climate this model makes sense, as students have an opportunity to earn and learn, by completing a fee-free healthcare short course along with a four week paid work placement. This opportunity could suit a range of people including existing workers, school leavers and mature age applicants,” said Ms Murphy. 

Currently the care workforce in Southern NSW is below national benchmarks, with nursing and Aboriginal Health Worker services at 14.5 per 100 residents compared to 15.7 nationally.  

There is strong evidence to expand the earn and learn traineeship approach across South-Eastern NSW. Since 2022 the University of Wollongong has offered traineeships in partnership with Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care and other providers. Outcomes over the four years include 80% completion by more than 50 students, with employers reporting high retention and Indigenous students and working parents successfully engaged as non-traditional entrants into care. 

"With up to 45 funded skill set places available through this expanded version of the cross-sector training and workforce development program, we are addressing the workforce shortage and strengthening our region's ability to attract and retain skilled staff,” added Ms Murphy. 

Providers can register interest via a short non-binding form. 

This program is funded by the Australian Government under the Integrated Care & Commissioning (ICC) initiative and the NSW Government under the NSW Smart & Skilled program. 

Aboriginal health, Learning and workforce development, Southern NSW, Vulnerable groups,