Aged Care Insite Issue 104 | Dec-Jan 2017 | Page 33

workforce The South Australian not-for-profit care provider currently holds particular interest in helping retrenched Holden workers find jobs in the state in the wake of the closure of Holden’s Elizabeth factory in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. ACH Group recruits approximately 350 new staff each year and indicated its willingness to support those out of work due to the closure to fill care and support worker positions, as well as those for garden and maintenance officers. The organisation will soon also be focusing on the recruitment of IT professionals and customer service staff. Nichole Tierney, ACH Group’s general manager of people, culture and business quality, said the provider recognises that skills can be taught. Just as important, she said, are inherent personal qualities like emotional intelligence and the ability to work with diverse customers and as part of a team, as well as the ability to provide quality customer service. “When ACH Group visited Holden’s career transition centre, we were really impressed by the diversity of the workforce,” Tierney said. “We are focused on ensuring quality of care and excellent customer service. We felt that if someone was passionate about working with older people and could genuinely support our vision, we would welcome them.” Tierney also noted the skills transferable between the two industries. “In manufacturing, just about everyone works as part of a team; everyone has a role to play in producing the end product. Similarly, at ACH Group, teamwork is really important, so we feel these attributes could transfer quite easily.” Collaboration, Tierney said, is key to ensuring that those who are out of jobs in manufacturing, or other industries experiencing workforce contraction, consider aged care as a feasible career opportunity. “It’s really important that the industry work together to promote aged care as a viable alternative and a career that can ACH Group is hoping more manufacturing workers consider a career in the aged care sector. be both rewarding and offer long term security. “We’d like to see more funding for development programs that include experiences in the aged care sector, and more done to promote the sector in a genuine way to show the diversity of careers, the rewarding and meaningful jobs on offer, and of course the opportunity to connect and learn from older people.”  ■ HURRY! Time is running out! Glad I booked “The Book” early last year! *Greg Mapp Major Prize Winner 2017 Book “The Book” early and share in rewards valued at over $26,000 ¥ and you could be a wi nner like Greg. AMH continues to offer professional business rewards to support you the nurse, the carer, the allied health professional. Purchase the 2018 AMH book or any current resource before December 31 and you will be in the draw to win one of these great rewards ¥ to help you further in your quest for knowledge and excellence. Prizes include attending a conference related to your profession, new laptop computers and future editions of AMH resources. National Winner A major prize comprising flights, accommodation, conference registration, transfers & meal vouchers for up to 2 people to attend an Australian conference in their field, to the maximum value of $6,600 ¥ . *Here’s what Greg had to say: “The conference was a success and the location was fantastic. We probably would never had experienced that without AMH.” Adj Assoc Prof Greg Mapp. Regional Winners (NSW/ACT, VIC/TAS, QLD/NT, SA/WA) 4 x first prizes of either an Apple MacBook, a Microsoft Surface Pro or Lenovo Yoga to the maximum value of $3,300. Each region will also have 6 secondary runners-up who will receive a free copy of the next edition of Australian Medicines Handbook (Book or Online) valued at $220 each. Each region will also have 3 supplementary runners-up who will receive a free copy of the next edition of the AMH Children’s Dosing Companion (Book or Online) valued at up to $115 each. Maximum total prize pool of $26,460 ¥ . Terms & Conditions Apply. For full details and conditions of entry and to order your AMH resource, just go to www.amh.net.au. NSW Permit No. LTPS/17/18011. ACT Lic. No: TP 17/01940. SA Lic. No: T17/1833. The promoter is Australian Medicines Handbook, Level 13, 33 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000. The random prize draw will take place at Level 13, 33 King William St, Adelaide at 2pm on 23/1/18. Winners will be notified by email by 29/1/18 and draw results published on AMH website on 31/1/18. All values include GST. ¥ agedcareinsite.com.au 31