PALM Scheme

Equinox College is a dedicated participant in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, focusing on the development of skilled care and support professionals within the Pacific Islands. This initiative is specifically designed to address the workforce needs of the Australian aged care sector by equipping participants with essential skills and qualifications that align with Australian standards.

Our goal at Equinox College is to prepare a competent workforce that can integrate seamlessly into the Australian aged care sector, helping to alleviate ongoing staffing shortages and enhance the quality of care provided.

We offer the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) as part of the PALM Scheme. This program combines face to face learning with practical hands-on training that covers the essential skills required in the Australian aged care sector. Our curriculum focuses on person-centred care, working safely and a strict adherence to Australian care standards. The face-to-face training approach ensures that learners receive direct supervision and hands-on experience, crucial for developing the skills needed to provide high-quality care.

We are proud to be the first training provider to collaborate with significant local stakeholders in Solomon Islands to deliver this qualification fully in-country. Our key partnerships include:

• Working closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Sciences ensures that our training aligns with local health policies and standards, enhancing the integration of our graduates into both local and Australian healthcare systems.
• Collaborating with the National Referral Hospital not only allows us to offer practical placements and real-world experience in a major healthcare setting but also supports the local clinical workforce by providing additional services, enhancing care and support to an Australian standard.
• Collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, specifically the Labour Mobility Unit, helps facilitate the logistical and regulatory aspects of training and workforce mobility between the Solomon Islands and Australia.
• We actively engage with PALM-approved employers who are instrumental in providing employment opportunities for our graduates. This partnership ensures that our training meets the specific needs of employers in the Australian aged care sector and supports the seamless transition of our graduates into the workforce.

Through this program, Equinox College aims to:

• Address Workforce Shortages by preparing well-trained professionals for immediate employment in Australia, we help mitigate significant staffing shortages in the aged care sector.
• Raise Care Standards by training graduates to provide high-quality, compassionate care ensures better service in Australian aged care facilities.
• Promote Long-term Career Development by boosting the employability of graduates, aiding their career advancement in the aged care industry.
• Enhance Local Workforce and Communities by conducting training in-country. We empower individuals with crucial skills, to support increasing standards and economic health of the community. This approach fosters a sustainable healthcare ecosystem, enhancing professional development and improving care services available to the local population.