PresCare looks local to boost workforce

Queensland provider PresCare is working with a high school and a training provider in Maryborough, 250 kilometres north of Brisbane, to help tackle the workforce issues the regional provider is facing.

PresCare in Maryborough has this month signed an agreement with Riverside Christian College, who at the same time is working toward a partnership with TAFE Queensland to deliver hands-on training to its students.

Together the three providers are creating Riverside Health Hub to give students practical training and the opportunity to obtain accredited qualifications at PresCare’s two Maryborough communities – Groundwater Lodge and Yaralla Place.

PresCare was acquired in 2021 by Apollo Care, which today comprises 12 not-for-profit aged care communities in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Apollo Care chief executive officer Stephen Becsi said building a permanent workforce to “reduce costly temporary agency contractors” was vital to the sustainability of aged care services in regional Australia.

“[This] agreement is a significant step toward bridging the gap between education and the aged care workforce with the Health Hub offering a tailored training package for a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance and a Diploma of Nursing,” said Mr Becsi at last Tuesday’s ceremony announcing the partnership.

“We’re incredibly proud of this initiative. We’re not only equipping students with a valuable qualification and real-world skills for a fulfilling career in their hometown, but we’re also creating a strong, secure pipeline of workers committed to our local communities.”

With a maximum of 12 students per class, the course will include a mix of online and face-to-face instruction, set within a simulated workplace environment at the college. Students will also complete 80 to 120 hours of vocational placement at PresCare’s Groundwater Lodge and Yaralla Place to get hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting, said Riverside Christian College principal Michelle Gouge. 

“We’ve worked hard with our partners to ensure the academy will provide high-quality, accessible education for local students and a pathway to a rewarding career,” said Ms Gouge at the signing ceremony.

“Early indication is that even our distance education students, including students from Brisbane, are interested in what this opportunity will bring to their career goals. Being able to study the distance education program coupled with a face-to-face day at the college means we’re open to an even wider network of potential workers wanting to secure employment in regional centres.”

Also speaking at the signing ceremony, TAFE Queensland east coast region general manager Mark Reilly said the training organisation looked forward to working together to train Maryborough’s next generation of aged care workers.

TAFE Queensland is committed to delivering practical and industry-relevant training that provides students with the skills and experience they need to build lifelong careers, he said.

“This partnership will do just that, providing Riverside’s students with the valuable opportunity to get ahead and kick-start a highly rewarding career in the healthcare industry while they complete their studies in high school,” Mr Reilly said.

“As the state’s largest training provider, we know Queenslanders with the right skills and training are going to play a critical role in powering our state’s economy for years to come, and we’re committed to providing in-demand industries with a pipeline of skilled workers.”

The Riverside Health Hub will welcome the first cohort of students on 28 January 2025 with their completion date set for December 2026.

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