Recent research reveals a shocking reality: 67% of adults motivated to work in aged care lacked the basic digital skills to even identify what training they need or find a training provider. These are learners we never get the chance to support because they remain stuck outside, unable to access the very programs designed to help them.
This newly published research exposes a fundamental gap in support strategies. While we invest heavily in digital orientation workshops and pre-course upskilling for enrolled learners, we're missing those who cannot navigate the initial steps of finding and accessing education. Our sophisticated support systems are invisible to learners who cannot complete basic internet searches or enrolment processes.
Through direct observation of 100 aspiring learners and subsequent comparative studies, this research demonstrates that motivated, suitable candidates are being blocked by removable digital barriers. When learners were assisted through digital upskilling before course commencement, completion rates soared from 53% to 84%. The difference wasn't motivation—it was access to relevant digital skills.
This presentation will reveal the scale of pre-enrolment digital barriers across our sector and share research-backed strategies that work. Attendees will learn practical, immediately implementable solutions including effective screening approaches, communication methods that reach digitally vulnerable learners, and reframing techniques that dramatically improve engagement.
These solutions don't require massive resource investment—they require thoughtful implementation of targeted interventions. As a researcher working directly with learners and trainers across Australia, Dr Cox will share evidence-based strategies that remove invisible barriers while improving both learner success and educator effectiveness.
Attendees will leave with actionable insights to reach the motivated learners currently stuck outside their digital doors, transforming potential into participation.