An exhibition aimed at anyone investigating career choices or considering a new direction will be held in Kerikeri’s Turner Centre on Thursday 11 April. It is part of an initiative launched at the end of last year by Northland organisations involved in education, training and healthcare, to recruit school leavers and tempt older people back into the workforce with a wide range of careers in the retirement living and aged care sector.
The careers expo will give people information about opportunities and career development pathways in aged care, and how to get started.
There are many opportunities for professional development in the sector, even from entry-level roles like catering and cleaning. For example, Kerikeri Retirement Village offers work experience and placement training to support those who want to develop their careers, particularly as registered nurses.
A worsening skills shortage is threatening the operation of care facilities and home support services right across the country. The problem is particularly acute in regional New Zealand, with Northland being no exception. The situation is impacting the wellbeing of the growing number of elderly in the region, as facilities could be forced to reduce the number of aged care beds they can provide staff for.
The careers expo is being organised by two of the mid-North’s leading aged care and retirement living operators, Kerikeri Retirement Village and Oakridge owner Metlifecare. Along with Ngāti Rehia, health providers Ngāti Hine Home Support and education providers Te Pūkenga, Careerforce, Gateway and Ringa Atawahai Matauranga, a with support from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
The elderly now comprise a significant proportion of New Zealand’s population. As a result, there is growing demand for aged care facilities and home support services, particularly in the regions.
“This makes aged care an ideal choice for people in provincial New Zealand who want to build careers without leaving their communities,“ said Hilary Sumpter, chief executive of Kerikeri Retirement Village.
