Accompanying people in special situations and with special needs is what everyday life looks like for social workers. It was always clear to Sara Kreiner that she wanted to work in this field. While looking for training opportunities, the 16-year-old from Alkoven came across a new type of school in Upper Austria that is starting in the fall: the Higher School of Nursing and Social Care (HLPS) at the Diakoniewerk in Gallneukirchen. “The HLPS appeals to me because I can either start working straight away after graduating or go on to study after completing my Matura,” says Kreiner, who has just completed the Diakoniewerk’s one-year preparatory course.
“Diverse job opportunities”
Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander and Social Affairs Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (both VP) spoke at a press conference on Thursday about a unique and new opportunity to inspire young people to pursue nursing careers. The HLPS can be started at the age of 14 and ends after five years with the Matura and the social diploma – for the first time in Upper Austria with a focus on working with and accompanying people with disabilities. The focus on working with people with disabilities also includes the professional qualification of nursing assistant. “This gives the young people a wide range of job opportunities,” says headmistress Susanne Kunze. A total of 22 students, including three boys, are currently registered for the first HLPS class. “There are still a few places left,” says Kunze.
The combination of care and support as well as the consideration of the Health and Nursing Act in training is something new for Austria. “There have already been pilot projects, but they have not been integrated into the regular school system,” says Daniela Palk. The director of the Diakoniewerk is pleased about the next expansion, which will increase the attractiveness and importance of the social and nursing sector.
Long tradition at the Diakoniewerk
Training and further education have a long tradition in the Diakoniewerk, and according to Palk, the organization is a pioneer, especially in work with the disabled. As early as 1918, there was a deaconesses’ home economics school in Gallneukirchen, and more than 500 students of all ages are currently being trained at the school for social care professions. “The challenges will not become less in the future. With the HLPS, we can meet the growing need for qualified personnel and close a gap in the age structure of training,” says Palk. Until now, schools for social care professions were only accessible to people aged 17 and over.
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Source: Nachrichten
