With demand for aged care services at an all-time high and a shortage of healthcare workers on the NSW Mid North Coast, Manning Support Services (MSS) has partnered with VERTO to recruit the apprentices that will grow its 300-strong workforce.

It’s a move that has seen the regional business flourish while providing meaningful work opportunities for local people. Since December 2021, the business has appointed 37 apprentices and trainees, with another 25 trainees due to start in June this year.

MSS is a not-for-profit community-based organisation providing support services for families and carers, including the elderly, those experiencing dementia, people with disability, those in residential care facilities and financially disadvantaged households.

Kashanna Dreyer, Senior Manager MSS, said the organisation relishes the opportunity to increase local access to vital support services while providing apprenticeship pathways for local people.

“The aged care industry is crying out for skilled and qualified staff, and apprentices are a great solution to help fill this skills gap,” she said.

“Good quality aged care depends on a well-qualified, secure and valued workforce, and we think apprenticeships are the answer to this.

“We’ve employed a range of apprentices and trainees, including home support workers, administrative trainees and carpentry trainees, and they are valuable additions to our business,” Mrs Dreyer said.

MSS is one of many growing businesses in NSW turning to not-for-profit training and apprenticeships provider, VERTO, to recruit apprentices as they consider their staffing needs in the wake of COVID lockdowns.

VERTO CEO, Ron Maxwell, said it is fantastic to see MSS engaging apprentices and trainees to support their business and the local aged care industry.

“Taking on an apprentice can be a great way to grow your business, building it from within while supporting the future of your industry. With a range of government incentives currently available to employers, there’s never been a better time to consider an apprentice,” Mr Maxwell said.

VERTO is a provider of the Australian Government’s Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Program (AASN) across all parts of New South Wales.