Connect to Caring Program

Creating Opportunity. Changing Lives. Strengthening the Future of Care.

Connect to Caring is a leading employment and training program for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds, with a focus on individuals from refugee backgrounds. The program helps participants overcome barriers to education and employment and supports them to build rewarding careers in Aged Care and Disability Support.

More than training, Connect to Caring is a pathway to purpose – empowering participants to gain meaningful work, confidence, and lifelong skills.

Why it Matters

Many newly arrived Australians bring life experience, compassion, and a strong desire to contribute. Yet barriers such as language, transport, caring responsibilities, or lack of local experience often prevent them from accessing work.

At the same time, the Aged Care and Disability sectors face growing workforce shortages.

Connect to Caring bridges this gap with a culturally responsive, wraparound program that supports participants and employers alike.

We focus on more than qualifications—care roles need heart, resilience, and cultural understanding, all qualities our participants bring. The program listens to participants’ experiences, supports them at every step, and helps them confidently enter the workforce.

How it Works

Our step-by-step approach prepares participants for successful careers in Aged Care and Disability Support:

Onboarding & Assessment: Expression of interest, information sessions, and tailored screening to match participants with the right training pathway.
Barrier Support: Assistance with transport, childcare, and language needs.
Accredited Training: Delivered in partnership with trusted providers such as Activ Pathways and Status.
Work Placement: Volunteer and work experience opportunities to gain real-world insight into the Care sector.
Job-Readiness Preparation: Resume writing, interview coaching, workplace culture training, and onboarding support.
Employer Connections: Pathways to jobs in Aged Care and Disability Support, including roles at MercyCare and other sector employers.
Ongoing Support: Wraparound assistance during the first months of employment to ensure sustainable careers.

The Impact

Connect to Caring is more than a program – it’s a movement to create a diverse, skilled, and compassionate workforce in Western Australia’s Care sector.

For Participants: Belong, contribute, and thrive in meaningful careers.
For Employers: Access to a motivated, culturally diverse workforce ready for Aged Care and Disability Support roles.
For the Community: A stronger, more inclusive Care sector that meets the growing demand for skilled support.

By investing in people from refugee and marginalised backgrounds, we are shaping the future of care – building a workforce grounded in equity, compassion, and expertise.