TAFE NSW Gosford is ideally positioned to build a pipeline of local health workers to cater to a looming jobs boom in the Central Coast healthcare industry, according to newly released data.
A TAFE NSW report tracking growing and emerging healthcare jobs has forecast a 5.2 per cent increase on the Central Coast over the next three years.
The report also predicts aged or disabled carer, enrolled nurse, dental assistant and personal care assistant will be the fastest growing healthcare jobs over the same period.
Debra Elliott is one of many TAFE NSW Gosford graduates to make a flying start to a career after gaining practical skills and work experience studying a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing).
“I knew what it was like to be a daughter who had to move her mum into an aged care facility, and I wanted to learn skills to support clients and their families in that same situation,” Elliott, who works at BlueWave Living at Woy Woy, said.
“TAFE NSW gave me the training I needed to put what I’d learned into practice when I started working, and the teachers were always there to answer our questions and support us, from the classroom to work placement and beyond.
“I really love the supportive environment at BlueWave Living, and the focus on providing daily activities and life engagement for our residents.”
TAFE NSW Director, Health, Wellbeing and Community Services, Jane Smith, said TAFE NSW’s expert teachers and unparalleled industry connections meant it would play a critical role in helping bridge the local healthcare skills gap.
“This report just confirms what we already knew: that opportunities for healthcare jobs on the Central Coast are growing rapidly,” Smith said.
“Whether it’s nursing, aged care, mental health, disability or one of the myriad other healthcare pathways, TAFE NSW graduates are able to get their foot in the door with industry-led training and employer connections.
“Not only are our graduates’ job prospects excellent but they are entering a career where they make a tangible difference in the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community.”
To explore the range of healthcare courses available at TAFE NSW, visit tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.
Source:
Media release, Aug 24
TAFE NSW