Aged-care training partnership a win
Aregular
walking group is just one of the projects developed by South West TAFE’S first group of students to train on site at Stawell’s Eventide Homes.
South West TAFE Health and Community Services teaching manager Leeona Van Duynhoven said the partnership between South West TAFE and Eventide Homes had been extremely successful.
“It is great that we have been able to offer training to the local community in aged care, which is expected to see the biggest jobs growth of any sector,” she said.
“The outlook for careers in health, including aged care and disability support, is very strong.”
During their course, students have been involved in helping run a Valentine’s Day ball, barbecues and have started a regular walking group with residents.
Ms Van Duynhoven said the walking group had been a great project and was aimed at residents who did not have family close by.
She said students were extremely fortunate to be learning in an environment where they could become so involved in observing and assisting at the aged-care facility. “The students are learning things that just can’t be taught in the classroom,” she said.
“They are learning from the experienced staff on site at Eventide Homes, as well as from our dedicated trainers.”
Eventide Homes chief executive Sue Blakey said South West TAFE’S on-site course was an ongoing success, with the major benefit being students undertaking one day of placement each week, working alongside Eventide staff.
“This ensures students develop appropriate skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively and are responsive to the care needs of residents,” she said.
“If these students go on to work at our facility at the end of their training, they will be familiar with our systems and our residents.”
Students started training in Individual Support in October and are expected to complete their studies in August.
A second Certificate III in Individual Support course from Eventide Homes is being planned for September. Anyone interested in working in the aged-care field can call 1300 648 911 or go to swtafe.edu.au to find out more.