Australia faces a severe shortage of aged-care workers, with at least 110,000 needed within the next decade. Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) is combating this issue through a school-based apprenticeship program. Apart from addressing workforce shortages, the program benefits the community, meeting the growing demand for at-home aged care due to extended wait times for residential care. In this interview, we speak with students Lisa Kennedy and Ava Parry who share their views on the program as participants.
Lisa Kennedy
IA: What motivated you to apply for the traineeship program?
Lisa: I knew I wanted to start a career in nursing as I have always loved the idea of working in aged care. Mum and Dad have been very supportive in helping me decide what I want to do, and the program will set me up to pursue further studies.
IA: What aspects of the job appeal to you?
Lisa: It has already been rewarding. I can further my education in nursing while being able to work and contribute to the well-being of residential aged care residents.
IA: Were any individuals, mentors or events that played a role in your decision?
Lisa: My grandmother has been a nurse since she was young and has always loved her career and telling me about how much joy it brings her. I would like to follow in her footsteps and do something I love and that brings me joy too. I knew I wanted to start a career in nursing, and the program will set me up to pursue further study.
IA: Do you enjoy working in aged care? Do you see a future for yourself in this career?
Lisa: I have been enjoying working in aged care and the program has opened opportunities for me to further my career in the healthcare sector. I ultimately would like to become a nurse, particularly working in rural regions.
IA: Do you recommend others to join a traineeship program like this to get into the aged care sector?
Lisa: WMQ’s traineeship program has been a great opportunity. I can further my education in nursing while being able to work and contribute to the well-being of residential aged-care residents.
Ava Parry
IA: What motivated you to apply for the traineeship program?
Ava: I’ve always been interested in a career in health and the opportunity to join WMQ’s traineeship program to complete Certificate II and III in Health Services Assistance made me want to take my first steps into reaching that goal.
IA: What aspects of the job appeal to you?
Ava: Being able to feel rewarded at the end of the day, knowing that you have done your best to make someone’s day better and brought them comfort. A big part I enjoy is the sense of responsibility, a skill I will carry throughout my career and in my personal life.
IA: Were any individuals, mentors or events that played a role in your decision?
Ava: I have always wanted a career in the healthcare system and my family has always been supportive and encouraged me to work hard for what I want. WMQ’s traineeship is a great stepping stone for me into my future career in health.
IA: Do you enjoy working in aged care? Do you see a future for yourself in this career?
Ava: The placement in Anam Cara is an amazing opportunity to learn and understand the duties of a nurse working in the aged care sector. This experience has given me a great level of knowledge to pursue further studies in the healthcare sector.
IA: Do you recommend others to join a traineeship program like this to get into the aged care sector?
Ava: Absolutely. This brings such a good opportunity to reach your goals and do what you love, especially through school as we are still young.
IA: Thank you
