Workplace training practices in the residential aged care sector

Abstract

The focus of this research is the recognition of skills and training needs of personal care workers in the residential aged care sector of the community services industry. The proportion of those aged over 65 years in the Australian population is growing, creating increased demand in the industry. At the same time, the personal carer workforce is ageing, with a current average age of 50 years. There will be a growing need to train new personal care workers to keep up with industry demand, as well as provide ongoing training to the existing workforce. The research focuses particularly on why we need to train existing personal care workers, what barriers exist to cost-effective recognition and workplace training, and what models or strategies aged care facilities and registered training organisations have developed to improve recognition and workplace training.