A new tool to help aged care and disability workers turn their experience into qualifications could soon make a positive impact across Victoria’s health care sector, following a research funding boost for Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute.
As part of Bendigo Kangan Institute, the TAFEs have secured a $250,000 Victorian Government grant to research the effectiveness of a newly developed Competency Certification Pathway Tool – a practical solution to recognise the skills of experienced care workers who don’t yet hold formal qualifications.
Instead of starting from scratch, the tool enables workers to show what they know and fill in any gaps – making it easier to get qualified with a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) and move forward in their careers.
Industry partners will help shape the research project, with aged care and disability service providers to be consulted throughout the process to ensure the pathway responds to real-world needs and aligns with industry standards.
The need is urgent:
Victoria is facing a major workforce challenge. According to the Victorian Skills Plan for 2025 -26, the state will need 363,000 new workers between 2025 to 2035, with many of those roles in care and support services. Addressing gaps between a worker’s on-the-job expertise and formal qualifications will help to make training more efficient and increase the number of qualified, skilled care workers.
Why it matters:
Led by Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute’s Health and Community Centre of Excellence, the 12-month research project – Addressing Skills Gaps in the Care Economy – is funded by the Victorian Government’s TAFE Research and Innovation Grant.
The grant is designed to spearhead meaningful improvements across the care economy through collaborative research partnerships with service providers, industry, and community organisations.
The funding supports Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute to move beyond traditional training and actively engage in solving real-world industry challenges. This project will also provide a framework for TAFE teachers and staff to formalise their practical expertise into structured research, fostering a culture of continuous inquiry.
Quote attributable to Bendigo Kangan Institute CEO Laura Macpherson:
“This grant enables Bendigo Kangan Institute to build a research culture and evaluate an innovative tool for smarter care worker pathways - one that values their experience and helps them grow. It also reinforces our leadership in leading collaborative efforts with industry to create practical skills solutions for the health and care sectors.”
