"Grow Your Own Workforce" a model solution to healthcare worker shortage

Federation TAFE and East Grampians Health Services' (EGHS) solution to the health and community services workforce shortage in the East Grampians region has seen them nominated for a Victorian Training Award for industry collaboration.

The partnership began in 2016 with the delivery of the Diploma of Nursing in Ararat, and the common goal of securing a sustainable nursing workforce in the Grampians. Since then, more than 60 students have graduated with half of those continuing employment at EGHS and several progressing to the Bachelor of Nursing at Federation University.

Federation and EGHS are now working together to address a gap in the pathway to the Diploma of Nursing with the introduction of a Certificate III in Individual Support traineeship delivered locally at EGHS in Ararat.

The new Certificate III in Individual Support bridges the gap between school and industry, from the Certificate II in Health Support Services Vocational Education and Training delivered to secondary school students, to the Diploma of Nursing. It also provides an alternative to those in the region more interested in working in an aged-care facility as a health care worker.

The traineeship will give residents and current EGHS staff looking to upskill, the opportunity to progress qualifications close to home without significant travel or expense. It is also attractive for those already employed in the health sector preferring to earn a regular income.

Prior to this initiative there was no local training for the in-demand program and with statistics showing about 70 per cent of students studying regionally continue to live and work in the area, and 74 per cent of those who relocate from regional areas don’t return, the place-based training model provides incentives for people to remain in the region. This supports the local economy and workforce, and has a significant impact upon students, their families, careers, and the community.

The first intake of Certificate III in Individual Support trainees commenced in March 2023 with all training on-site at EGHS enabling students access to real-life scenarios in a hospital setting to better enhance their clinical knowledge.

The health and community service sector is the largest industry employer in the Grampians region. With a skills shortage across Victoria, and competition to attract and retain qualified staff, this collaboration is a crucial initiative for the region with local people educated by local providers, supporting the “Grow your own Workforce” initiative.

Federation TAFE nursing teacher, Clare Stacpoole says, “Working closely with EGHS works well for our students. They get hands-on with equipment as well as paperwork, which can differ greatly from service to service, and come out work ready. We often have EGHS come into class to teach, which gives the students valuable exposure as to what happens at the hospital. We also train on the wards giving practical experience. Most students choose to stay working at EGHS as they are familiar with it and know that they will be supported. Federation and EGHS staff work very closely together which gives the students a great all-round foundation.”

Naomi, now a registered nurse with EGHS began by studying the Federation delivered Diploma of Nursing at Ararat, says, “With four young children there was no way I could travel to Ballarat or Horsham to study. When I heard the Diploma of Nursing was offered locally through Federation, I applied. I was able to do nearly all my placements locally and studying part time made it easier to juggle everything. The Diploma meant I could work as an enrolled nurse in the local residential facility. I’d often work night shift and found myself taking on leadership responsibilities, so I looked at options to upskill.”

“Federation offered the Bachelor of Nursing by flexible delivery so I only needed to attend Ballarat campus for one week each semester, and the rest was delivered online so I could study at my own pace. Working at EGHS while studying gave me great access to the practical skills and knowledge to compliment what I was studying. The educators in the hospital were always there to support me, both as a student and as an employee. And working permanent nights shifts, raising four children, and studying full time, I needed the support!”

“If the Diploma wasn’t offered locally, I probably would have stayed working in the disability area. I might have looked at it later but either way it would have been a much longer process to get there.”

“When you work in the country, all these things tie in together well, the nurses know each other, there are better relationships with the doctors. It just feels like there are better relationships across the board within the hospital and the community. It’s fantastic to work at the local hospital and care for people you know. You’re able to provide that personal touch to their care.”

“There’s plenty of opportunities in Ararat – theatre, midwifery, allied health, urgent care, district nursing. I want to specialise in critical care, and I’m exploring post graduate options.”

The Federation and EGHS collaboration was recognised with the 2022 Federation University Australia Vice Chancellors Award for “Excellence in industry engagement and impact – Vocational Education and Training”.

The Certificate III in Individual Support and Diploma of Nursing are both Free TAFE courses.