The Victorian Government is supporting local collaboration between health services and educators in central Victoria to increase the health workforce and meet the future health needs of the region.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas was in Bendigo today to launch the Loddon Campaspe Health Sector and Skills Pathway Road Map – a new blueprint to help manage future demands on the region’s health workforce.
The Road Map will promote stronger links between industry, educators and training providers, and identify clear pathways for students and volunteers towards a qualification in areas including nursing, allied health, aboriginal healthcare, and aged care and disability.
The health sector is a vital and expanding area of economic activity for central Victoria and is the largest local employer, accounting for approximately 17,300 workers across the Loddon Campaspe region.
The Road Map predicts a significant increase in an ageing population over the next 15 years, putting extra demands on the health sector and shifting health care skills in demand from acute to chronic.
The Road Map highlights the importance of encouraging new and young workers to the sector to meet local skills demands.
Recommendations are drawn from extensive engagement with students, educators, trainers, current employees and industry professionals.
It was developed after the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership identified the growing need for skilled local workers within the sector and was made possible thanks to funding from the Loddon Mallee Regional Development Australia Committee.
The Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership will continue to work closely with industry, education and training stakeholders to activate the pathways road map over the coming months. To read the report visit rdv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“I commend the local collaboration evident in this work, which supports central Victoria to shape its future and address the needs of its growing health sector”.
As stated by the Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“This road map points to the way industry and education can work together more closely to provide students and young people with real world experience and clear pathways into the health sector.”
As stated by the Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“If the past year has shown us anything, it’s how much we rely on the work of our incredible health workers and the important job they do every day.”
As stated by the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership chair David Richardson
“Extensive consultation identified a need to improve our health education and training pathways – the Road Map provides fantastic opportunities for students to work towards new skills and qualifications in key areas of need.”
