In the last issue of Family Care, the national not for profit Carers NZ invited expressions of interest from family carers wishing to achieve a New Zealand health and wellbeing qualification in 2015.
“We had a great response and filled all 12 positions within a few weeks,” says Carers NZ chief executive Laurie Hilsgen.
Carers NZ is working in partnership with Careerforce (Industry Training Organisation for New Zealand’s disability, health and social services sectors) to enable a small group of carers achieve industry recognised qualifications at no financial cost*.
Family carers provide assistance for ill, elderly, and /or disabled family members and friends, and those who are experiencing mental illness or addiction.
Carers NZ is the national peak body, providing information, learning and support to New Zealand’s family, whanau, and aiga carers.
“We now have a number of excited trainees eagerly ready to embark on their training journey,” said Careerforce Workplace Advisor, Denise Mackres.
Participants will have the opportunity to get their family caring skills formally recognised as well as study further to improve the support they provide. Carers will complete a programme of study leading to the New NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Level 2 or 3 depending on their skills and experience.
These new qualifications have only just been released and Careerforce is excited to announce that Carers NZ participants will be some of the first trainees to enrol in them.
Careerforce will support the trainees throughout their learning journey. An individualised programme is prepared for each carer, based on the level of the NZ Certificate they want to complete, their learning needs, their environment, their existing skills and their skill gaps.
“It’s been inspiring to learn that in the future they would like to share their knowledge through volunteering, or pursue a health or disability career,” says Laurie.
Download the full editorial courtesy of FAMILY CARE magazine:
Family Care Winter2015
Updated 10 July 2015