Centacare Employment and Training (Centacare) delivered a 10-week pilot program to a group of Southern River College students in an initiative to inspire and equip young minds for the community care sector.

At the beginning of 2023, Centacare partnered with the Armadale Industry Training Hub and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to establish a pathway program named the Industry Insider Care Sector program. The program was an introductory course to the full qualification in aged care and disability. The goal was to provide enough knowledge and skills for students to decide if this is the industry they may wish to pursue as a career.

Centacare delivered VET courses across various industries for many years. During this time, we have acquired extensive experience working with young people, often those at risk of disengagement from education or further training. Our experience working with young people in our VET programs and the Alternative Education Program (AEP) has given us a deep understanding of this cohort.

The program consisted of two units from the Certificate III in Individual Support Ageing or Disability course, including CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services and HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care. It ran one day a week for ten weeks, including a full day of practical manual handling workshop in a simulated healthcare environment at Centacare West Perth training site. In the last week, students participated in one week of work experience in a support role with a care service provider.

Designed with a focus on practical knowledge and skill development, the program witnessed resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on participating students. Towards the end of the program, 13 students completed the course and received a Statement of Attainment. The units are nationally recognised and can be accredited to the full CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support Ageing or Disability qualification.

According to the Gosnells Examiner news, the Southern River College VET coordinator David Toothill said that the 18 students who took part enjoyed the course, with many of them intending to seek employment in the sector as a result of the program.

This pilot program encouraged young people to build new skills and choose careers in demand in the area. It was a part of the Government’s initiative to create better connections between schools and local industry, repositioning vocational education and training as a first-choice option. We are pleased to have Centacare at the forefront of this initiative.