St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle (SACAL) and John Henry Institute (JHI) are working in partnership to strengthen the knowledge and skills of new and existing SACAL workers. This is a strategic workforce development initiative endorsed by Managers and leaders within St Agnes Parish. The purpose is to provide training to ensure quality in skills in everyday work practices in SACAL services.

We are pleased to announce the first SACAL “new entry” cohort completed a short course of four units this week. These units were targeted to provide new employees with a career pathway which may include more opportunities in training and progression in job roles to direct client care.

Five students attended six sessions delivered by JHI Lead Health Educator, Karen Crombie. Karen ensured the students were comfortable in an adult learning environment and very quickly the students provided positive feedback for this learning experience. “This training has been great for meeting other SACAL workers in similar roles and sharing our work stories in how we can improve”, says one student new to SACAL. Other students also express their new confidence to work in a professional environment, “I have learnt how to make sure the kitchen is always hygienic to keep everyone safe”, says another student.

The training outcomes have proven so successful three of the five students have progressed into the full qualification of the Cert III in Individual Support. Students have expressed they feel valued and supported by their workplace to progress with study and would like to work directly with supporting clients in the future. The new entry cohort is to be followed by an existing worker cohort in November. The second cohort consists of workers looking to upskill their knowledge in supporting individuals with dementia and skills in First Aid. Both cohorts have also expressed additional training in a range of topics.

SACAL and JHI continue to plan for additional training cohorts in 2022. It is agreed, to empower your employees with training and skills is the greatest contribution to any workplace. A passion for learning is all you need to grow!

Posted 4 November 2021