Partnership with Harbison Care and Warrigal addresses local skill shortages in sector
In partnership with our students, aged care providers Harbison Care and Warrigal, UOW College has celebrated the completion of the first cohort of the Health Care Traineeship Program in the Southern Highlands, Australia.
The program is designed to address skill shortages in the local healthcare sector, and it continues to grow with the second cohort of students now in the program.
The traineeship is a one-year program, with students attending the UOW Southern Highlands campus one day per week, studying CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support delivered by UOW College, while being employed by Harbison or Warrigal for a minimum of 21 hours per week.
Ms. Liz Thomas, Manager of Vocational Education at UOW College, emphasised that the traineeship program was a collaboration with the local industry, designed with their needs in mind most particularly, attracting and retaining skilled workers in aged care.
"It's an ideal way to bring new workers into healthcare, traineeships are fee-free under NSW Government Smart and Skilled subsidised training, and students are able to work and earn while gaining their qualifications," Ms. Thomas said.
Mr. Zac Hulm, Partnership Manager at Harbison Care, noted that the collaboration had been a great success and "offered a fantastic opportunity to fill much-needed jobs in the region."
The value of this collaboration to the local region is evident, as seen in the completion of the first cohort of the Health Care Traineeship Program and the commencement of a second cohort earlier in the year.
With the educational landscape changing, the opportunity to partner with local businesses and support skills gaps directly aligned with UOW College. The program prepares students with skills and knowledge for future study and work while meeting the needs of industry.