As the healthcare sector in Australia grapples with a growing workforce crisis, Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) is responding with a scalable solution with targeted training and employment pathways for new care workers.
In 2023, 82% of healthcare occupations experienced a critical shortage. Projections show that aged care alone will require 400,000 additional workers by 2040. WMQ is helping address that gap by investing in traineeships that provide practical qualifications and direct entry into care roles.
“Our programs are designed with inclusivity at their core,” said Tracey Green, Director of People & Culture at WMQ. “We aim to offer opportunities to individuals who face barriers to employment, whether that’s youth, women returning to work, mature-aged workers, First Nations people, or those living with disabilities.”
Since implementing its Traineeship Pathways Partner role to coordinate structured training programs, WMQ has trained 35 adult care workers, with 5 more trainees set to graduate in 2025 and another 15 expected to begin their training this year.
The organisation has also expanded its School-based Traineeship Program, which now supports 30 students — WMQ’s largest intake to date. In partnership with the Queensland Department of Education, WMQ is reaching more students in Brisbane-area high schools to promote healthcare careers early.
“This year we are delivering our biggest School-based Traineeship program for 30 students,” Green said. “Our traineeship programs not only offer the opportunity for individuals to gain qualifications while still at school, but also ensure that the sector has the skilled workforce it needs to thrive.”
WMQ’s efforts have earned it a nomination for the 2025 Community Training Initiative of the Year for the second year in a row, recognising its impact on building a sustainable aged care workforce.
The programs offer more than a certificate. They provide mentorship, flexibility, and job-ready skills in high-demand care environments. Monika Bastowska, a current trainee and finalist for the 2025 QTA Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year award, credited the WMQ program with launching her career.
“Starting my traineeship with Wesley Mission Queensland was a turning point,” she said. “The combination of real-world experience and support from my mentors gave me the confidence and skills I needed to thrive in aged care.”
“Completing my Certificate III in just three months was a huge achievement for me, and I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support from my trainers and the flexibility of studying online and at my own pace.”
The healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to add 301,000 jobs over the next five years. WMQ’s model positions it as a leader in building that future workforce, particularly in roles accessible to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“These programs are about more than just a job,” Green said. “They provide financial stability, a sense of purpose, and the opportunity to break the cycle of disadvantage. Through these initiatives, we’re helping to build a more diverse, empathetic, and skilled workforce, better equipped to support the needs of our communities.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
