Preferred strategies for workforce development: feedback from aged care workers

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the present study was to investigate how aged care workers prefer to learn and be supported in continuing education and training activities. Methods. Fifty-one workers in aged care facilities from metropolitan and rural settings across two states of Australia participated in a survey and interviews. Survey responses were analysed for frequencies and interview data provided explanations to the survey findings. Results. The three most common ways workers were currently learning and prefer to continue to learn are: (1) everyday learning through work individually; (2) everyday learning through work individually assisted by other workers; and (3) everyday learning plus group training courses at work from the employer. The three most common types of provisions that supported workersintheirlearning were: (1) working and sharing with another person onthejob; (2) direct teachingin a group (e.g. a trainer in a classroom at work); and (3) direct teaching by a workplace expert. Conclusions. A wholly practice-based continuing education and training model is best suited for aged care workers. Two variations of this model could be considered: (1) a wholly practice-based model for individual learning; and (2) a wholly practice-based model with guidance from coworkers or other experts. Although the model is preferred by workers and convenient for employers, it needs to be well resourced.