A unique ‘grow your own’ training project for care workers is helping fill dozens of job vacancies across the Wimmera Southern Mallee.
The project, which aimed to find and support the region’s untapped workforce, has seen nearly 30 people complete individual support or early childhood education and care (ECEC).
It was developed by Federation University in Partnership with Wimmera Southern Mallee Development and funded by the Department of Education Workforce Training Innovation Fund.
Federation University Research Fellow Dr Cathy Tischler said the training has not only helped respond to the region’s chronic shortage of ECEC and other care workers but also built skills for people facing employment barriers.
“Regional data shows women aged 24-45 are less likely to be in the workforce, for a range of reasons, including caring responsibilities, and accessible training options and these were the target cohort for the Federation University courses.
“Students were offered flexible and remote learning options, travel assistance and in-class support.
“These measures have noticeably improved student engagement, retention, and overall training outcomes, particularly for learners facing complex life barriers. “
Dr Tischler would like to see continued support for students, especially in ECEC, to further bolster our ECEC workforce.
“For each trained childcare worker, a minimum of four extra workers can enter the broader workforce. With 19 expected graduates, this equates to 76 additional workers.”
WSM Development CEO Chris Sounness said the project highlighted the importance of identifying and testing local workforce solutions.
“Our large and sparsely populated region is not the same as metropolitan Melbourne and this project understands and responds to this.
“With declining populations and recruitment challenges, growing your own staff makes sense and now our supported learning system has shown how it can be done.
“Bringing in a range of partners from local government, education, early years and regional development was critical and has created a solid foundation from which to further develop future workers.”
The project, which aimed to find and support the region’s untapped workforce, has seen nearly 30 people complete individual support or early childhood education and care (ECEC).
It was developed by Federation University in Partnership with Wimmera Southern Mallee Development and funded by the Department of Education Workforce Training Innovation Fund.
Federation University Research Fellow Dr Cathy Tischler said the training has not only helped respond to the region’s chronic shortage of ECEC and other care workers but also built skills for people facing employment barriers.
“Regional data shows women aged 24-45 are less likely to be in the workforce, for a range of reasons, including caring responsibilities, and accessible training options and these were the target cohort for the Federation University courses.
“Students were offered flexible and remote learning options, travel assistance and in-class support.
“These measures have noticeably improved student engagement, retention, and overall training outcomes, particularly for learners facing complex life barriers. “
Dr Tischler would like to see continued support for students, especially in ECEC, to further bolster our ECEC workforce.
“For each trained childcare worker, a minimum of four extra workers can enter the broader workforce. With 19 expected graduates, this equates to 76 additional workers.”
WSM Development CEO Chris Sounness said the project highlighted the importance of identifying and testing local workforce solutions.
“Our large and sparsely populated region is not the same as metropolitan Melbourne and this project understands and responds to this.
“With declining populations and recruitment challenges, growing your own staff makes sense and now our supported learning system has shown how it can be done.
“Bringing in a range of partners from local government, education, early years and regional development was critical and has created a solid foundation from which to further develop future workers.”