Why 2025 is the Year to Embrace Traineeships in the Disability and Aged Care Sector

With growing demand for skilled workers in the disability, aged care, and mental health sectors, it’s never been more crucial to invest in innovative workforce solutions. Recruitment and retention remain significant challenges, with around 80% of organisations across Australia struggling to find and retain skilled staff. Yet, many are unaware of the untapped potential of traineeships—a solution that benefits both employers and employees alike.?

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Government Support: A Unique Opportunity

The NSW Government’s commitment to employing an additional 1,000 apprentices and trainees by 30 June 2026 highlights the broader push at state and federal levels to promote traineeships. This initiative aligns with available NSW government-subsidised traineeships, making 2025 an ideal time to explore this opportunity for your organisation.

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By hiring a trainee in Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Disability Services or Certificate IV in Mental Health, eligible employers can access government support through the Priority Hiring Incentive*, which provides subsidies of up to $5,000 for a full-time permanent employee or up to $2,500 for a permanent part-time employee**. Combined with fully funded training, these incentives help employers tackle workforce challenges while reducing financial strain. Additionally, trainees undertaking qualifications on the priority list can receive up to $5,000* in support payments, ensuring they have the resources to successfully complete their training.

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Why Traineeships Work for the Disability and Aged Care Sectors

?1. Attract New Talent Amid Skills Shortages

With a well-documented skills shortage in the disability and aged care sector, traineeships offer a proactive way to attract fresh talent. By opening your doors to trainees, you gain access to a motivated pool of individuals eager to start or continue a career in disability and aged care.

?2. Improved Client Outcomes

A well-trained, engaged workforce directly impacts the quality of care provided to clients. Traineeships in Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Disability Services or Certificate IV in Mental Health ensure staff are equipped to meet industry standards and deliver person-centred services.?

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3. Upskilling in Mental Health to Meet Client Needs

The increased demand for mental health training within disability and aged care services makes traineeships an ideal pathway for upskilling new recruits. Qualifications like the Certificate IV in Mental Health can help employees to better understand and care for clients with mental health needs whilst developing the skills to support their own well-being, ensuring a sustainable and resilient workforce.?

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?4. Motivated and Loyal Workforce

Traineeships attract individuals eager to grow in their careers. Employers often report that trainees are highly motivated, adaptable, and more likely to stay long-term compared to other workers.? Investing in your team fosters loyalty and creates a sense of purpose among employees. Staff who feel valued and supported are more likely to remain in their roles, reducing turnover rates.?

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5. Enhanced Learning

Traineeships offer a unique blend of on-the-job learning and formal training, allowing employees to immediately apply new skills in a real-world setting. With access to supportive trainers, trainees receive guidance tailored to their role, ensuring they build confidence and competence in their work. This combination of hands-on experience and expert mentorship creates a dynamic learning environment that enhances skill development and empowers trainees to excel in their roles.

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Breakthru College: Your Partner in Traineeships?

At Breakthru College, we partner with organisations and trainees to ensure success at every step of the journey by:?

• Delivering high-quality, nationally recognised qualifications in Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Disability Services and Certificate IV in Mental Health.?
• Facilitating access to government-subsidised traineeship in NSW.?
• Offering flexible training options tailored to meet the specific needs of both organisations and trainees.?
• Guiding employers on how to effectively support the practical components of traineeships.?
• Ensuring strong trainee engagement and support through our dedicated student support team and experienced trainers.?

?Our programs are designed to foster workforce growth while upholding the highest standards of care and service delivery.?

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Seize the Opportunity in 2025

Now is the perfect time to integrate traineeships into your workforce strategy. Here’s how to get started:?

1. Assess Your Needs: Identify areas where new talent and skills are required.?

2. Engage with an RTO: Partner with a training provider like Breakthru College.?

3. Access Funding: Take advantage of subsidies and financial incentives to minimise costs.

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Let’s Build a Resilient Workforce Together

If you’re struggling to find new disability workers due to the current skills shortage, traineeships are an excellent way to attract new talent, retain them, and upskill them. These qualifications not only empower staff to better understand and support clients but also equip them to manage their own well-being in a challenging field.?

By embracing traineeships, you’re not just investing in your team—you’re investing in the future of care.?

Reach out to Breakthru College today to learn how we can help your organisation access traineeships, grow your workforce, and deliver exceptional client outcomes in 2025 and beyond.?

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Contact us to get started by calling Mary on 1800 767 212 or emailing [email protected].

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*The Priority Hiring Incentive is an incentive for employers of Australian Apprentices training towards an occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List at a Certificate level III or above.

**For employers, the $5,000 government subsidy is paid over one year, $2,000 at 6 months and $3,000 at 12 months. The $2,500 subsidy is paid over one year, $1,000 at six months and $1,500 at 12 months.?For trainees, the payments are distributed in four six-monthly instalments over the first two years of their traineeship.