Training is a vital component to grow the health and human services sectors
Leaders and practitioners in human resources and learning and development roles in the human services sector, and educators and faculty from registered training organisations met today to discuss and workshop challenges and solutions for the sector. The forum was hosted by Community Skills WA and the Human Services Skills Organisation.
Caroline Thompson, Executive Director Community Skills WA introduced the session and gave insights into the unique challenges faced by employers, training organisations and learners.
Jodi Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer Human Services Skills Organisation provided an overview of current labour market trends, nationally and specific to the state. Jodi also provided an overview of the organisation’s projects and resources available to the sector. This year the HSSO has released:
- The workforce development initiatives portal
- A guide to vocational education and training for human services employers
- A mandatory work placements guide
- The findings from the sector, workforce forum report
Presentations were followed by an open floor session, where guests were offered the opportunity to have general discussion.
General discussion covered a range of topics including:
- The value of a Certificate III in Mental Health
- The impact that the shortage of qualified people is having on training
- Challenges around outside school hours care qualifications
- The far-reaching impact that the shortage of early childhood education and care workers is having on all sectors
- The role of micro credentials in supporting individuals develop the right attitudes and attributes to work in the sector
- Where to access new talent to grow the workforce
Caroline Thompson, Executive Director Community Skills WA said the session was a great opportunity to hear directly from the sector.
“Training is a critical part of workforce development. CSWA is excited about the suite of programs we have developed to support health and human services sectors.
“We know that our employers are facing some very real pressures, now more than ever—cost and time are often significant barriers to implementing effective training. We want to hear from employers, and training providers about how we can create solutions that are simple and effective.
“The pandemic has been challenging and continues to challenge us—impacting every sector. Changing restrictions have impacted the availability of labour, and as restrictions continue to ease the pools of available labour have shifted.
“Early childhood education and care is one area experiencing a significant shortage. We’re hearing that a shortage of childcare professionals is impacting other sectors, with some parents unable to return to work.
Jodi Schmidt Chief Executive Officer, Human Services Skills Organisation said she was focused on engaging with employers and training organisations to create solutions with impact and scale.
“We are actively engaging with the sector to find out how we can develop and work on projects at a national level that can impact on a state, local and regional level.
“There are a range of useful resources on our website that we’ve already developed in response to sector demand.
On the topic of accessing different pools of talent, Ms Schmidt said the sector needed to consider areas of untapped potential.
“We are living and working longer, and perhaps there’s an opportunity there to engage those who want to work longer, who are considering a career change or want to restart their careers.
“There’s a great opportunity to connect with younger generations and give a greater level of information about the roles and pathways available.
If you missed the insider event visit the Community Skills WA or Human Services Skills Organisation websites to find comprehensive overviews of projects, resources. Make sure you subscribe to stay up to date and find out about future events.
