Aged Care Blog

PALM Scheme cohort of 2024 graduation

PALM Scheme Cohort of 2024 graduation!

First published: May 2025

On 10th May 2025, our Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme cohort of 38 participants graduated with a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) from Alphacrucis University College. After an 18-week course with a four-week placement in Harts Nursing Home and Father Law Home in Suva, Fiji, our participants transitioned to Australia to work for our host employer, Regis Aged Care, in Port Macquarie and Mildura. Delivering high-quality aged care services to Australia’s elderly population, this was a day to celebrate their hard work and commitment to the aged care industry.

The PALM Scheme allows workers from the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste to work in industries across Australia where there is a workforce shortage.  Under the Aged Care Expansion (ACE) Program, Sanctuary Recruitment supported Pulse Staffing Australia through the recruitment and deployment of workers, which involved:

  • Sourcing and hiring of 40 participants out of 100 applicants
  • Arranging transport plans
  • Sourcing and furnishing accommodation
  • Managing the workforce through regular face-to-face and virtual welfare checks
  • Performance management checks

All workers remain as permanent employees for the duration of their 4-year contract before returning home with their new skills and experience to enhance the lives of elderly Fijians.

View their graduation below!

 

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