Securing the future of the sterilisation services workforce

 

Sterilisation services is one of the few areas in healthcare not facing a national workforce shortage. In such an important area of healthcare, that’s a win, but will it last?

Sterilisation technicians play a vital role in infection control and patient safety, ensuring that surgical instruments and medical equipment are cleaned, sterilised and ready for use in all healthcare facilities. The workforce has a median age of 50, which is 10 years above the national average. While the sector benefits from experienced workers, it also means the workforce is ageing which could signal a fast-approaching challenge. Without a consistent pipeline of graduates, there is a risk of future workforce shortages.

Enrolments in the HLT37015 Certificate III in Sterilisation Services have seen a sharp increase since 2019, particularly between 2022 and 2023. But qualification completions remain low. The gap between enrolment and completion suggests that while the area is attracting students, there are barriers to study that are preventing students from completing their courses which is resulting in a low number of new workers entering the profession.

Like the existing workforce, the median age of those studying sterilisation services is higher than in other sectors. The median age of completion is 11–17 years above the national average. This highlights a need for flexible study, accessible training options and support systems that enable mature-age learners to balance life, work and study.

We are currently reviewing the Certificate III and Certificate IV in Sterilisation Services to ensure training reflects the real-world practices of sterilisation technicians and aligns with industry standards. But the review is bigger than that. We are working closely with industry to build qualifications that are engaging, support a diverse student cohort and are realistically achievable for moving into the field. Because a stable workforce today doesn’t guarantee stability tomorrow.

Sterilisation services qualification review

HumanAbility collaborates with industry to conduct research, identify job market demands, assess skill requirements, create adaptive qualifications and training packages, and spearhead workforce development initiatives.

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