Federal Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell welcomed Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon. Andrew Giles to Whittlesea this month to promote the innovative way Whittlesea’s TLC Aged Care is training staff in the aged care sector.
TLC Aged Care is an industry specific Registered Training Organisation offering specialised courses and placements across its network of 12 aged care homes with 75 apprentices studying Certificate III in Individual Support (Aging) and employs 250 staff.
Welcomed by Lou Pascuzzi, CEO of TLC, on Tuesday, June 10, Minister Giles and Mr Mitchell were given a tour of the facility and met with staff and trainees currently working side by side.
“What we learned was this program is providing great support for people to study and upskill while learning in the best possible hands-on way under the tutelage of experienced staff,” Mr Mitchell said.
“These trainees are really enjoying the flexibility and opportunities being provided to them and this program has been really integral to this facility enjoying strong relationships with their staff and not having to rely on agencies to fill staff quotas.
“Many of these students feel totally equipped in their care roles because of the great experience they get in this program and that is not only beneficial to them but also to the residents they care for.
“It was great to sit down with the students, and staff—many who have undertaken their traineeships in this program and hear just how supported they feel and how much they enjoy their work. Supporting workers in our care workforce is so important and the Albanese Labor Government continues to do that, as seen in the recent increase to minimum wage rates.”
Also in attendance were representatives from Apprenticeship Support Australia who described the program as innovative and an example of combining initiatives that work for businesses and workers.
Minister Giles thanked the staff and residents for the warm welcome and highlighted the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting individuals who are seeking to rebuild, reskill and re-enter the workforce, ensuring no one is left behind as we build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
