The Tasmanian disability services sector is moving to address a range of pressing workforce issues. One of the key issues flows from our ageing population - the disability workforce is on average older than the general workforce, both in Tasmania and nationally. The disability services sector needs to find ways to compete more successfully for the skilled workers of tomorrow, whose skills will be in great demand across a range of human services.
To become an industry of choice for skilled workers, the disability services sector needs to find better ways to attract, recruit and retain those workers. These issues need to be addressed as part of a broad overarching strategy.
The Disability Services Sector Workforce Development Strategy is the beginning of a collaborative partnership between government and non-government providers, and is underpinned by a five year framework which includes three focus areas: professional learning, human resources and health and safety.
The key action areas will be workforce planning, including learning and development activities, and sustainable recruitment and retention initiatives.
The Strategy is aligned to key national and state workforce research.
The Disability Services Sector Workforce Development Strategy - Action Plan 2008-09 is now available.