Long-Term Unemployed Ready for Jobs in Aged Care

Eight people who have experienced long-term unemployment have graduated from IRT College's Young@Heart Program, with the hope of securing traineeships in the Illawarra's growing aged care sector.

A recent job market report on the sector found there were four times the number of jobs in aged care than there were workers. An Australian Government Inquiry into the workforce challenges facing the sector is exploring how providers can attract more employees to the sector.

"Our Young@Heart Program aims to help local aged care providers address workforce shortages, while providing people who have experienced long-term unemployment with good prospects for paid employment and an enriching career," said IRT College General Manager, Dr David Rosete.

Dr Rosete said the eight students who graduated from IRT College yesterday have completed seven units of competency from the Certificate III in Individual Support over nine weeks, including work placements with IRT Group, Blue Haven Care and Warrigal.

Representatives from these local aged care providers were on hand to congratulate the students, as well as from TAFE Illawarra, which provided extra learning support for the students, and NSW State Training Services, which has funded the Young@Heart Program since 2010.

"Unfortunately unemployment rates in the Illawarra region are higher than the National average at about 7% overall and 15% for young people, but our Young@Heart Program is helping to change these statistics," Dr Rosete said.

"Previous graduates have gone on to secure paid employment in the sector and I have no doubt that today's graduates will do the same." 

Click here to find out more about IRT's residential aged care, home care services and retirement villages.

Photo by Gretel Van-Lane, L to R: student Sarah-Jane, IRT College General Manager, Dr David Rosete, student Sharnaye, and trainer Jennifer.