Use of innovation to provide education and training opportunities in rural and remote communities

The role out of NDIS brings with it the prediction of a significant shortage in the supply of support workers nationally (http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3753856.htm). Due to difficulties accessing necessary training and education resources, hardest hit will be rural and remote communities (e.g. National Rural Health Alliance, 2008). Aftercare, in collaboration with the PUT institute, and a consortium of industry providers, have built an innovative, and world first online platform, which provides an avenue via which anyone with internet, can access a diverse range of industry approved and administered education and training relevant to the community services sector. Additionally we have worked closely with Exemplar Global to build a comprehensive, and internationally recognised certification system. Our certification allows individuals at all levels of education and training within the community service sector to capture their current level of skill, and extend that, such that they are able to develop professionally in an ongoing and supported manner. The Professional Practice Academy is a world first, innovative and industry driven solution to all workforce needs for the community services sector, including addressing the very real challenges that limited access to relevant education and training can bring. Moreover, drawing on an extensive social media platform, our solution facilitates the building of community irrespective of location. This presentation will provide an overview of the need for such a solution, and using a case study approach, provide a practical demonstration of how the tool can be utilised within rural and remote communities in Australia.