July 2005

New teaching facility for aged care workers

Victoria University’s new aged care teaching facility at Werribee offers a hands-on approach to learning and allows students to study in conditions that simulate working within residential or home and community care.

Opening the facility, Minister for Aged Care Gavin Jennings said it was important to enhance the skills of people who work in aged care.

‘In the past, aged care has not been seen as particularly flash or glamorous and is a field that has not been encouraged.

‘It is time to change the perception and attitude of people towards aged care.’

Mr Jennings thanked Victoria University for its commitment to the needs of an ageing population and said that, through the new facilities, aged carers would be better trained, skilled and supported and so be able to look after the aged better in the future.

Mr Jennings said the new training facility was a good example of how learning was being applied in the community.

Students at the new facility are either studying for their Certificate III in Home and Community Care, enabling them to provide care for people living in their own homes, or for their Certificate III in Aged Care Work, to enable them to provide personal care in residential care facilities, such as hostels and nursing homes.

Training of this type requires practical skills knowledge in personal care and the facilities at Victoria University have recently been expanded to meet the growing demands for courses.

Students come from a diverse range of agencies across the metropolitan area, including from local councils.

The development of this new teaching facility reflects Victoria University’s commitment to the western suburbs and its relationship with the aged care industry.

It also represents the University’s commitment to quality education and supports the achievement of high standards of care for our ageing population.