Doors are opening for local residents keen on establishing careers in aged care, thanks to the workforce development opportunities provided by Capecare.
Ahead of its new Dunsborough aged care facility opening in the coming months, not-for-profit organisation Capecare has provided training pathways for those interested in taking on roles.
About 120 workers will be required once the fully-integrated facility – comprising a residential care facility and independent living apartments – is completely operational.
As part of a recent recruitment drive, six trainees have graduated through the program as carers and support workers, with another group currently completing training.
Capecare is preparing to recruit for a third intake into the program, with a focus again on carers and support workers.
Capecare Human Resources Manager Philippa Ayre said the project has a strong track record for jobs creation, with construction led by South West-based Perkins Builders.
“In the construction phase, our engaged contractors have reported 60 per cent local employment,” Ms Ayre said.
“Obviously, once we are operational, 100 per cent of our staff will come from the local area.
“The independent living apartment residents move into their apartments in July and the first intake of residents in the residential care facility (RCF) will join us on August 2.
“There’s been great interest from locals and their families in both the independent living apartments and the RCF.”
The State Government has supported the project by providing $2.5 million through the Regional Aged Accommodation Program as part of helping to meet the aged accommodation needs of regional Western Australia.
Additional assistance has been provided by the South West Development Commission, which has supported Capecare’s efforts to attract a skilled industry-ready workforce.
SWDC chief executive officer Mellisa Teede said it was vital to have quality provision in aged care.
“The best way to ensure we have quality provision is to have the best staff – and Capecare is bringing this team together,” Ms Teede said.
“It is terrific that Capecare has shared the State Government’s commitment to local content through the creation of jobs for local people in both the construction and operation phases of this project.
“Capecare is set to be a major employer in Dunsborough, and we are pleased to support a project which unlocks career opportunities for local people in the region.”
Capecare will host community forums in the near future that will give attendees the chance to learn more about employment opportunities. To enquire about upcoming positions, email hr@capecare.com.au . For more information, visit Capecare.com.au .
