Fijian aged care workers are expected to benefit from a new pilot program which has been launched by the Australian Government to increase qualified Fijian aged care workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility.
The first batch of 40 participants, including 36 women, will be undertaking a 12-week course at APTC in Suva, followed by 10-week supervised work placements in Australia with a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme employer.
After completing the training, they will earn an Australian Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) (CHC33015), which will enable them to continue working for the same employer for up to four years under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.
The pilot is supported by interested aged care employers and the National Employment Centre in Fiji.
The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes says this aged care pilot will open up new opportunities for Fijians, particularly women, to find employment in Australia, learn new skills and support their families.
APTC Executive Director, Janelle Chapman, says APTC is proud to work with the Pacific Labour Facility to deliver the program to help grow the demand for Pacific workers, including Fijians in aged care.
The participants are expected to complete their training with APTC in November 2022.
