In 2023, there were an estimated 43,000 vacancies in nursing, personal care, and clinical care manager positions, employed across all aged care service types. [1] Looking ahead, the sector faces sustained workforce challenges, with an anticipated annual shortfall of 35,000 direct care workers and a projected under-supply of 17,550 nurses by 2035. [2]
The LIFT Projects for Retention Program is designed for aged care professionals who recognise the importance of retaining skilled staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality care.
Our experts will work alongside you to refine your ideas and develop a well-structured, actionable project plan via online modules and workshops. The program aims to equip you with the skills to implement changes to ensure meaningful, impactful and sustainable results in your organisation.
- 100% online
- Underpinned by best-practice
- Interactive learning to gain transferable skills
- Facilitated group workshops
Program commencing April 2026. In the meantime, get a head start with our Retaining your Aged Care Workforce Short Course starting in February.
Program outcomes
Builds skills and knowledge: You will gain skills to develop and implement a project to tackle workforce retention challenges.
Puts evidence into action: We provide access to the latest discoveries in workforce retention and help you translate them into real-world settings. Develop strong foundations in implementation best practice to be able to apply this knowledge to future problems as well.
Uses a comprehensive approach: Develop a robust solution that addresses key drivers of retention while considering governance, clinical and workforce challenges for a comprehensive solution.
Works alongside you: ARIIA team members with expertise in evidence-based practice and project implementation work with you and connect you with peers, resources and tools.
Provides convenient learning: The program is delivered 100% online via self-directed learning modules and workshops facilitated by an expert ARIIA facilitator. You will learn alongside a cohort of peers who work in the aged care sector across Australia.
Embeds sponsor support: You will be supported by a dedicated sponsor from your workplace to help you develop your project and provide organisational context and connections to ensure success.
A project plan: An action-focused and robust plan based on evidence, sound implementation, change management and evaluation principles to improve workforce retention.
A ready ‘pitch’: You will be guided in development of a pitch to effectively communicate your workforce retention initiatives, helping stakeholders understand the purpose behind the changes and their benefits.
Transferable skills: You will be able to apply your new skills and knowledge to find the best solution to the next problem, and the next problem..!
ARIIA Network: All program graduates become a member of the ARIIA Network, a community-of-practice that provides ongoing support, learning and networking.
For groups of 8 or more, the program content or delivery can be tailored by negotiation to focus on specific workforce retention challenges. To register your interest contact: programs@ariia.org.au
The part of the LIFT Projects for Reform program I found most helpful was the balance between expert mentoring and peer collaboration. The content was practical, evidence-based, and easy to translate into meaningful changes within our organisation. Through this program I learnt new ways to approach aged-care reform, apply research in practice, and design initiatives that make a tangible difference for people living with dementia and other complex needs. I would recommend the LIFT Projects program to anyone who wants to drive sustainable, evidence-informed improvements in aged-care services.
- Maria Henien, Harbison Community Services Manager
Applicant information
Upcoming cohorts*:
- Applications open on 5 February 2026 and will close midnight ACDT, 22 March 2026.
- Program Start Date: 6 April 2026.
- Program Finish Date: 15 May 2026.
We offer discounts for groups of more than three participants from the same organisation. Additionally, we can tailor any of our programs to meet your specific needs—enquire now to discuss a tailored option for your organisation!
*the dates outlined are subject to change.
Pricing
- $1,900pp +GST which is an industry scholarship rate subsidised by support from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing through ARIIA.
- Full scholarships at no cost to participants are offered to workforce from eligible organisations (as per criteria below).
- 10% discount for groups of 3 – 4, and 15% for groups of 5 to 12.
- $175/h for any additional adhoc support beyond the program delivery, or a consultancy package of tailored support can be negotiated.
Scholarship eligibility criteria
ARIIA invites eligible applicants to apply for a 100% scholarship. To be eligible to apply, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Applicant provides aged care services located in Rural and Remote zones (MMM classification 3 to 7)
- Applicant provides aged care services specifically to vulnerable populations
- Applicant provides aged care services specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care recipients (ACCO)
- Small and medium-sized organisations with fewer than 250 beds, packages,
or clients
These scholarships are intended for organisations that serve communities facing unique challenges in delivering aged care and are approved by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to deliver Australian Government-subsidised home, residential, or flexible care services. In some cases, applicants employed by other organisations may also be eligible, at the discretion of ARIIA’s Research Director.
If you or your organisation meets one of these criteria, we encourage you to apply for a 100% scholarship and take advantage of this opportunity to build your, or your staff’s capacity through the LIFT Projects for Retention Program.
Availability
The next LIFT Projects for Retention Program will commence in April 2026, and applications will open on 5 February 2026. If you are interested and would like to reserve a spot or if you have any questions, please reach out to us at ariia@ariia.org.au.
Program delivery details
[Indicative schedule Coming Soon]
Online LIFT Projects for Retention Program for 70+ hours of workshops, self-directed learning, and support, for cohorts of 10 people from the same or mixed organisations.
- Scheduled over 6 weeks
- 7 x 2 hours of workshops
- Plus 1:1s and follow ups/evidence support.
Guidelines
The guidelines provide detailed information about program delivery, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2023 Aged care provider workforce survey: Summary report [Internet]. Canberra, ACT: AIHW; 2024 [cited 2025 Jul 1]. Available from: https://www.gen-agedcaredata.gov.au/getmedia/fbbe3584-c404-4bf7-b50f-f309c80ccd13/2023-ACPWS_Summary_Report#.
- Ageing Australia. State of the sector: Aged Care 2024 [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Jul 1] Available from: https://ageingaustralia.asn.au/extlink/report/ACCPA-State-of-the-Sector-Aged-Care-2024-Report.pdf.