A trial professional development program designed to strengthen communication and interpersonal skills among future aged care workers is nearing completion, with findings expected to be evaluated by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Healthy Ageing Research Team later this month.
The Inspire & Thrive: Building Carer Confidence research project, supported by a grant through the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support, partnered with TAFE Queensland to provide Certificate III in Individual Support – Ageing students with practical strategies for de-escalating conflict, trauma-informed interactions, empathy and building trust.
ACU Head of Healthy Ageing Professor Laurie Buys said newly qualified workers could enter aged care without the experience needed to manage complex relationships with residents, families, colleagues and supervisors.
“Newly qualified workers are thrust into the complexity of aged care practice,” Professor Buys added.
She said previous research indicated new graduates could benefit from structured professional development immediately before or after graduation to build on their foundational training.
The program is also intended to address workforce wellbeing, with emotionally demanding interactions contributing to anxiety, burnout and reduced job satisfaction among frontline workers.
“Many staff members feel overwhelmed by the expectation to provide compassionate, high-quality care, while also managing complex and emotionally charged interactions with residents’ families.”
Professor Buys
TAFE Queensland students began participating in the project in May 2026, with training offered through facilitated online sessions, face-to-face workshops in Springfield and on the Gold Coast, and self-paced e-learning.
Participant Shantha Dias said the program improved their ability to communicate with residents, colleagues and managers.
Role-playing exercises were particularly valuable, providing students with opportunities to practise different workplace scenarios and communication techniques.
The project team has also developed a suite of resources, including a curriculum and training presentation, a scenario-based e-learning module and a participant learning booklet containing practical activities, reflection exercises and communication tools.
At the conclusion of the research project, these resources will be provided to the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support for dissemination across TAFE Queensland and the National TAFE Network.
Data collection will continue until late September through focus groups and surveys, allowing researchers to assess students’ experiences during training and as they progress through placements.
The ACU Healthy Ageing Research Team will then undertake final analysis and reporting, with research publications also planned.
The findings are expected to contribute to the evidence base on how professional development can better prepare new care workers for the interpersonal and relational demands of aged care.
TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support Executive Director Renee Hindmarsh said the project addressed industry priorities around work readiness and worker wellbeing.
The research could provide educators, employers and industry partners with evidence to better prepare graduates for contemporary aged care practice and support the development of a more confident and resilient care workforce.
