Bupa has partnered with charity WomenCan Australia on offering training and employment opportunities to women looking to re-enter the workforce within aged care.
The initiative is intended to support women from vulnerable backgrounds, including refugees, migrants and older women who are economically disadvantaged, Bupa said in a news update. Women will be assisted through training, work placements and support and networking. External training will be provided through an accredited program and those who complete it will be offered permanent positions, Bupa said.
In regional Victoria, 30 women are set to take up paid traineeships in Bupa aged care homes. Roles offered include but are not limited to caring, kitchen work, and maintenance.
The scheme is intended to act as a “model”, according to WomenCAN Australia CEO and founder Mikaela Stafrace, with a goal of getting more women into training and jobs.
“This sort of collaboration benefits everyone involved and actually really does change women’s lives by supporting them along a path we’ve proven leads to financial independence,” Straface said.
“The workforce shortage in aged care is particularly severe in regional Australia. Many homes in regional Australia are declining new residents due to insufficient workforce, which is placing a strain on regional health systems,” said Bupa Aged Care and Villages managing director Andrew Kinkade.
Feedback from the new employees and residents and families has been “wonderful”, he said.
“Our new team members have great life experience and values and with the right training and support, they will excel and play a valued role in supporting older Australians,” Kinkade said.
Earlier this month, Bupa teamed up with not-for-profit healthcare provider St John God of Healthcare, a partnership that Bupa Health Insurance managing director Chris Carroll said helped Bupa to have one of the largest hospital networks of any major Australian health fund, according to a Bupa news release.
