Unlocking global talent to fill critical gaps in Aged Care workforce

Key Points

• Lutheran Services has become one of the first Aged Care providers in Queensland to join the Australian Government’s Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement

• The move is aimed at alleviating critical workforce shortages by attracting skilled carers from overseas. 

In a bid to address the pressing workforce shortages in the aged care sector, Queensland’s Lutheran Services has taken a pioneering step by participating in the Australian Government’s Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement. 

This move aims to obtain skilled carers from around the world, presenting a unique opportunity to elevate the quality of aged care services in Australia.

Lutheran Services is seizing the chance to tap into a diverse global talent pool of skilled carers. The goal is to strategically place these professionals in aged care communities where appropriately qualified Australians are scarce, particularly in regions facing a shortage of personal carers.

The organisation’s commitment to this initiative is shown by its plan to employ up to 270 personal carers in 2024 through the 5-year agreement. This approach not only addresses the immediate workforce needs but also signals a dedication to building a skilled and sustainable workforce to meet the growing demands for aged care services.

Employees engaged by Lutheran Services under the agreement will not only receive full-time employment but also have access to a two-year pathway to permanent residency in Australia. This approach ensures the integration of the recruited workforce into the community, fostering a sense of commitment and continuity.

Lutheran Services CEO, Nick Ryan, emphasised the critical need for aged care workers in the current landscape and highlights the importance of adopting new recruitment approaches to meet the challenges posed by an ageing population and a complex compliance landscape.

“There has never been a greater need for aged care workers. The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement allows us to adopt new approaches to recruitment, keeping pace with the changing needs of an ageing population and the increasingly complex compliance landscape,” says Mr. Ryan.

In addition to the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, Lutheran Services has introduced several recruitment solutions, including the successful ‘Grow Your Future’ program. This initiative allows individuals to gain paid work experience while working towards a Certificate III in Individual Support, directly addressing the demand for Personal Carers and Registered Nurses.

“To fill our most in-demand roles of Personal Carers and Registered Nurses, we’ve created several innovative recruitment programs, including our Grow Your Future program,” Mr. Ryan explains.

The success of the ‘Grow Your Future’ program, attracting over 300 applicants in the latest round, underscores the value prospective employees place on training and skills development – a value also offered by the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement.

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