As one of the largest employers in the NSW Cessnock region, Calvary Cessnock Retirement Community has designed and implemented this innovative vocational education training (VET) program to address some of the local challenges such as lack of employment options, skills shortages in the aged care industry and low employee retention rates.

Lead by General Manager Kristin Smith and the team at Cessnock, the tailored training program aims at improving residents’ experiences, whilst developing a sustainable, positive learning culture. This program provides participants with “valuable learning pathways towards professional careers and job opportunities for locals in a lower socio-economic area,” Kristin explained.

Now in its fifth intake, the reputation of the program is well regarded within the community with a high demand for places due to its high completion rates. “We are very proud of all of our graduates and the hard work they put into the program” said Kristin. “Our newest graduates are providing a valuable contribution to further enhancing the health and well-being of the local community. These graduates are the future leaders in aged care”.