Overwhelming interest by Solomon Islanders to pursue career pathways in aged care and healthcare in Australia

BY NED GAGAHE

Standard of Care Australia (SOCA) says they were humbled by the enthusiasm and interests of Solomon Islanders about pursuing career pathways in aged care and health in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page on Sunday 29, SOCA expressed its appreciation and said they look forward to processing applicants’ careers in Australia.

SOCA is the organisation responsible for processing applications from the nine Pacific Island Countries to work in Australia in healthcare and aged care sectors under the PALM scheme.

On Sunday, January 29, SOCA successfully held its first information seminar for 2023 at the Heritage Park Hotel.

“A huge thank-you to all of you who attended our information seminars in Honiara today. We are humbled by the enthusiasm of your interest and we look forward to working with you in the near future to progress your aged care and healthcare careers in Australia.” SOCA said.

In another statement SOCA said given the strength of response, they have decided to temporarily suspends processing of new applications until after 30th April 2023.

“Given the strength of your response, we have now decided to place a temporary pause on the processing of new applications until 30 April this year.

“For any new candidates, please feel free to submit your CV and application; however, we do not anticipate processing new applications until after this time.

“For those candidates who have already submitted applications, we shall respond as soon as possible and look forward to speaking with you.

“Our Pacific Islands Director, Emmy Pitakoe is based in Honiara, Solomon Islands and available to discuss your interest in the PALM Scheme.”

“We have received strong interest in the opportunities offered to work in Australia in the healthcare and aged care sectors, and we are grateful for the faith you have placed in SOCA.” The statement said.

SOCA has worked directly with approved employers in aged care under the PALM scheme to arrange for the placement of candidates for periods up to four years.

They assisted candidates and employers to determine the best fit for employment and training, taking into account candidates’ career objectives and individual skill sets;

They also assisted candidates and employers to apply for and meet the visa requirements under the PALM program and negotiate training arrangements for candidates in Australia.

SOCA also worked with candidates to arrange travel, accommodation, living allowances and employer loans for costs not covered by their employment contract.

And they also mentored candidates over the term of their PALM visa to support their cultural needs and career aspirations.

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