*Under review

paul mallett advocates for an innovative investment in the training of the next generation of care economy professionals in Tasmania. paul recommends the establishment of a “living wage training model” in Tasmania to train disability and aged care workers, noting a similar model could be applied to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).

paul recognises the number of people requiring aged care and disability care in Tasmania in the coming decades will greatly exceed the number of people likely to train in these fields (based on current enrollments) if we don’t intervene. The workforce shortage is occurring now, and will only worsen without strategic investment.

paul proposes a living wage training model based on the United Kingdom’s “Nursing Associate” Pathway. This model, adapted for the Australian market, would seek to employ people to work in the sector, providing a living wage while they train. The “Associates” would work part-time delivering supervised care and support while they train for their Diploma.

The benefit is that participants “earn while they learn”, and employers have an immediate workforce that is actively growing its capability. The living wage provides a stable income and goes some way to removing the barriers that prevent people from engaging in training. If the UK example holds true, the scheme will improve diversity, bring more people into the training pipeline including older workers, parents, and people from rural backgrounds.