New interactive map spotlights opportunities in China’s aged care training market

Austrade’s new interactive China Aged Care Training map provides an overview of the unique aged care training needs, gaps and opportunities in seven major Chinese provinces.

The map is designed to assist Australian aged care education and training providers to identify and target the markets where their services are in high demand.

There are opportunities to provide aged care training for nurses, managers, specialists and professional staff. There is also demand for train-the-trainer and accredited and customised training programs in rehabilitation; facility operation and management; medication management; service standards and rating systems; and medical and aged care services integration.

‘Australia has an excellent reputation for high-quality aged care training,’ said Tim White, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade Chengdu and Austrade China International Health Team Leader. ‘Australian education and training organisations are well positioned to help China address its pressing need for education, training and skills development in this fast-growing sector.’

Demand for health and aged care services in China is rising, driven by a growing population, an ageing demographic, new health challenges and government policy reforms.

In 2020 there will be 248 million Chinese people aged 60 years and above. These Chinese citizens will require accommodation in facilities that support their medical needs and lifestyle, and a well-qualified workforce to care for them – both of which are in short supply.

A workforce of 10 million will be required to care for China’s elderly population by 2020. However, there are less than 1 million people currently employed in China’s aged care sector and fewer than 20,000 aged care workers with vocational qualifications.

Over recent years, Austrade has led a number of government and business missions to China with some of Australia’s leading aged care vocational education training institutions, registered training organisations and educational training providers. This has allowed organisations to better understand market opportunities and showcase Australia’s capabilities in aged care training, resulting in several successful collaborations and partnerships.

To provide additional insights into China’s aged care training market, Austrade China’s international health team will host a webinar in March to outline key trends and opportunities for Australian companies. Austrade is also planning an aged care education and training mission to China in May. Details will be available shortly.

For more information on Austrade’s Senior Living and Health initiatives, resources and missions to China, contact Austrade’s China healthcare team.