Australian Community Workers Association welcomes audit of courses in aged care

The Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) welcomes the Productivity Commission’s recommendation of a national independent audit of training standards for personal care workers.

More than 300,000 new staff will be required across the community services sector over the next 5 years. ACWA CEO Lynda Ford said that “migration will be one response to fulfilling this anticipated skills shortage, however, migration alone will not meet this need and it is critical that all aged care courses provides graduates who are ready to work within the aged care sector.  Assurance of course quality will allow this skills gap to be met over time.”

“As the national professional association for all human services workers within Australia's community services sector, we would welcome the opportunity to assist the Federal Government with a national audit.”

ACWA approved courses must meet stringent requirements to ensure that students are gaining quality education, training and relevant work placement experience, allowing them to perform their jobs to a high professional standard.

“We urge all education providers, particularly those providing education in aged care, to assure the client outcomes, quality and reputation of their courses by gaining ACWA course approval.”

Education providers can find out more information about course approval on the ACWA website www.acwa.org.au

Contact for interviews etc:
Lynda Ford
Chief Executive Officer
BH: (03) 9654 8287
M: 0414 440 483
E: lynda@aiwcw.org.au