the Aged Care Today magazine featured articles

However, despite their potential, migrant nurses often face a significant gap in training and support, hindering their transition to Australia’s aged care environment. They also face significant barriers to recognition of their overseas qualifications and experience, impacting their capacity to practice at their full potential.

A 2024 survey conducted by Ageing Australia revealed that 79 per cent of aged care providers depend on migrant nurses to meet staffing and care requirements. However, the survey also showed as many as 66 per cent of providers struggle to meet the training needs of these new arrivals. This is why Ageing Australia decided to step in and provide additional support to providers accessing migrant workers.

Developed in collaboration with aged care providers in Queensland, Ageing Australia’s Migrant Immersion Program will deliver micro-credential courses to boost the skills and employability of migrant nurses. The result of a successful pilot, called the Micro-credentialing Pilot Program, the Queensland Government’s decision to rollout the online program from October 2025 was a key action from its Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-32.

Funded by Queensland’s Department of Trade, Employment and Training, Ageing Australia’s Migrant Immersion Program will deliver innovative and practical solutions to ensure Queensland has a workforce ready to support current and future growth. It will strengthen communities and keep Queensland at the forefront of new economic opportunities.

The Migrant Immersion Program targets priority industry skills with bite-sized certifications that enhance specific competencies and rapid upskilling opportunities. Designed to be completed quickly, if offers flexibility and allows individuals to boost their expertise in targeted areas without committing to lengthy education programs.

Dedicated to upskilling and supporting migrant nurses to adapt to their new legislative context and feel more embedded within their new community, our program supports safe practice within the Australian aged care environment. Topics covered include the Australian healthcare system, common models of nursing care​, Australian aged care legislation​, integrating into the community​ and employer orientation.

Janet Rhodes, Chief Operating Officer at Queensland’s Mercy Community, has welcomed the program. “Across Australia, we continue to face a significant shortage of nurses in the aged care sector. To meet the growing demand and ensure high-quality care for older Australians, it’s increasingly important to look beyond our borders to source skilled professionals.

“The Migrant Immersion Program offers a valuable pathway for internationally trained nurses to adapt more smoothly to the Australian aged care context. Through targeted micro-credentialing, the program builds understanding of our legislation, reforms and workplace culture. These are all essential foundations for delivering safe, person-centred care.

“The program complements broader efforts across the sector, including Mercy Community’s own engagement with the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, through which we have welcomed personal care workers from Papua New Guinea to help strengthen and diversify the aged care workforce.”

Ageing Australia General Manager Services and Sector Capacity Belinda Allen says supporting the cultural nuances of the aged care workforce should be a priority area for the sector. “By equipping participants with the tools they need to succeed, we’re building a more competent and culturally aware workforce, ultimately improving service quality in Queensland,” she said.

“Training migrant aged care nurses is not just about filling vacancies, it’s about ensuring a high standard of care, fostering a skilled and diverse workforce and supporting the successful integration of these nurses into the Australian aged care system.”