Course to help increase aged care staff in Coffs Harbour

A course to run shortly in Coffs Harbour at NV College will aim to reduce staff shortages currently impacting the aged and community care sector.

NV College Training Manager, Enrico Fabian, said the Care Ready course will introduce people to the care industry. It will give them a ‘taster’ of what working in the sector is like. This course covers residential care settings, in home-based personal care, and disability care.

“Local care providers are struggling to get qualified staff, so it is important to get as many people interested as possible in the course. The key to reducing staff shortages is to provide training to skill up those who want to work in the sector. The more people we can train in the care industry, the more qualified staff we will have in Coffs to care for our aged population and those with disability,” he said.

“This course is a great entry point for people who want to see what they industry is like. We also provide further ongoing accredited training for people interested in pursuing individual care support as a career.”

Legacy on Victoria Coffs Harbour General Manager, Shawn Bergquist, said that providing training is one aspect of the recruitment process.

“While we have been doing this in the past, we need to build on it,” he said.

Mr Bergquist added, people from a wide variety of backgrounds can make good carers.

“People that are kind make the best carers – it really is that simple,” he said.

Employee, Leanne Statham, is a great example of someone who completed the course. She is now working happily in the sector.

She previously completed the Care Ready course with NV College. As part of the course she undertook industry placement with Legacy on Victoria Coffs Harbour. They were so pleased with her they supported her to complete a Traineeship, and Certificate III in Individual Support in collaboration with NV College. She is now employed with Legacy as a permanent Assistant in Nursing.

“Nursing as always been an interest of mine, but I never had available time to pursue it. I heard about the training and signed up for the work ready program through NVC,” she said.

“I was apprehensive at first, going back into study at 57 years old was extremely daunting. The support that was given by the trainers at NV College and my workplace at Legacy made it all very easy. You’re never too old to learn new skills.

“The program run at NV College, combined with a traineeship at a facility, hands-on training in the workplace, and backed with theory and practical learning in the classrooms at NV College with the trainers, is second to none.

“I really enjoy my role as AIN. Being a care worker is very understated. Every day is a new day, listening to residents’ stories about their life, their family, how they’re feeling and being able to help and care for them.

“At the end of the day, I go home feeling good, knowing that I’ve made a difference to the resident’s day and their overall wellbeing.”

Ms Statham admits that working in aged care can be very complex, challenging and rewarding at the same time. But she wholeheartedly would recommend others to consider working in this industry.

The course is fee-free for eligible students. It is subsidised under the NSW Government Smart and Skilled Program.

NV College welcomes anyone who is considering the care sector as a career and wants to find out more about the course, to call them on 6568 2100 or email training@nvcollege.edu.au.