Age and wage increase is perfect timing for newly revamped qualification

The programme is aimed at anyone entering the workforce as a support worker for the disabled or elderly, giving them the professional skill-set to be able to provide the necessary care and support required for such a role.  The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Support Work) is being welcomed by local rest homes as the need to employ skilled workers becomes invaluable.

The qualification could not have come at a better time as the Government announced support of the $2 billion pay equity package in April this year.  This means that as of 1 July 2017 those holding a Level 3 qualification could likely expect to gain a 50 per cent pay rise during the next five years, taking those on a current minimum wage of $15.75 to $25 by 2021.

Statistics New Zealand has projected there will be 1.14 million people 65 years and older by the year 2021 and the need to attract a skilled workforce is becoming more evident.

The qualification will provide students with interpersonal communication skills, cover the cultural, ethical and legal side of health as well as provide equipment training in a hands-on learning environment with 150 hours of placement, making them ready to enter the workforce.

“Our focus is on developing work-ready graduates, when they head out into a health or wellbeing setting they will have the skills to be able to interact effectively with their clients ensuring optimum quality of care,” says UCOL | Te Pūkenga employee Vicki-Lee Tyacke, Head of School – Nursing.