Where is the VET needed? Well there are a number of areas, whoever Community services is definitely an area worth considering. It needs to be done well though and not just to make huge dollars.
There are challenges in the care services, with increased staffing needs and increased training. There is and increasing demand; everyone is living longer, and statistics show that 25% of people will be receiving care in the near future. There is aging demographics; for the current care workers themselves and for the population. There will be a 40% increase in demand for care workers in next five years.
Generally a care worker is a mature worker. Average is 47 years and work part-time. School leavers are not interested, apart from child care.
Recently at Rod Cooke – CSHISC industry skills council stated that the Government is changing roles, and this means more job opportunities, and more VET training.
Don’t just limit you thinking to the Community services, there is business, leadership and management skills also required in a variety of locations around Australia.
Workforce planning, working with employers and how the new trainees will meet employers needs. RTOs need to work with industry to meet their strategic plans. RTOs need to work closely with industry and work with them to understand their needs and deliver the skill requirements to help them improve the productivity in their business.
Rod also stated that the qualifications need to be changed to meet the changing demands. So remember to check out the CSHISC website for how you can make a change and help.
RTOs need to look at changing their model and working with the changes. Reform is moving fast, and you must keep abreast, this is a challenge.