Entry Into Care Roles Skill Set Evaluation

The HSSO’s evaluation tested whether RTOs could effectively deliver the Skill Set ensuring learners could meet industry requirements for basic entry level care roles in aged care and disability support.

Project Overview

The sites for the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Skilled Pathway Pilot involved in the evaluation were Adelaide North (SA), Darwin (NT) and Logan and Gold Coast (QLD). Participants were aged 15-30 from disadvantaged backgrounds residing in areas with high levels of unemployment and youth unemployment and strong demand for roles in aged care and disability support.

Project Outcomes

The evaluation was completed in August 2021 and found that learners who completed the Skill Set were broadly equipped with skills and knowledge required to undertake entry level roles within aged care and/or disability support workplaces.

The Skill Set offers the appropriate combination of units of competency, builds towards attaining qualifications in aged care and disability support and is scalable.

Evaluation findings included:

• Face-to-face training was the most effective method to deliver the Skill Set
• Online environments increased the risk of non-completion – particularly among young and/or disadvantaged learner cohorts
• Online environments limited exposure to real-life scenarios and practical learning opportunities, which are valued by employers
• Effective pre-screening processes resulted in higher completion rates
• Strong support measures supported more effective completion of the Skill Set
• Effective delivery of the Skill Set is dependent on delivery materials that are easily digestible by participants
• Unclear employment pathways may deter learners from enrolling in the Skill Set

The Australian Industry and Skills Committee agreed to remove the expiry date of the Entry into Care Roles Skill Set so it remains an ongoing component of the CHC Community Services Training Package at their November 2021 meeting.