Demand for services within the healthcare and social services sector is growing exponentially. It is predicted that by 2022, one in four new jobs will be created for this industry.
Leading the charge in this space are experts from RMIT University, who are collaborating with cutting-edge organisations to develop ground-breaking products and services. RMIT’s work aims to ensure our workforce has the right quantity and quality of skill-sets to meet the needs of our communities, today and tomorrow.
On Friday 3 May 2019, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) partnered with RMIT for a second consecutive year, to present its fifth event in the ignite series - an exciting collaboration between VCCI, Victorian universities, CSIRO, the Victorian Government, IP Australia and businesses, to highlight, encourage and foster Victoria’s revolutionary industry-linked innovation and research capabilities.
Experts from RMIT discussed the University’s varied approach to navigating the complex challenges ahead in the healthcare and social services sector.
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone AM said the Victorian Chamber was delighted to yet again partner with RMIT to emphasise the potential opportunities and benefits when businesses and research institutions collaborate.
“Given the staggering projection that by 2022 one in four new jobs will be created for the healthcare and social services sector, it is critical that skills shortages within this field are addressed and a higher level of training is delivered.
“Intuitive businesses are already starting to upskill their staff and implement new business models and products which deliver customer-centric innovation. Initiatives such as ignite+RMIT are helping bridge the gap between research and commercialisation.
“It is in Victorians’ and Victorian businesses’ best interests to take these opportunities to learn how they can partner with a university to help their business gain a competitive edge,” Mr Stone said.
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Martin Bean CBE said the University had the ability to work with community and global industry networks to drive employment and innovation outcomes.
“At RMIT we recognise our responsibility is great and nowhere is it greater than in the realm of social care. That’s exactly why RMIT and VCOSS came together to form the Future Social Service Institute.
“As a University that prepares students for the realities of life and work, we’re listening and more importantly, we are responding,” Mr Bean said.
Among the presenters at Friday’s event was Dr Leah Heiss - a designer and RMIT academic working across healthcare, technology and experience. Dr Heiss has collaborated with experts in nanotechnology, engineering, health services and manufacturing to bring human-centred technologies and experiences to life. She most recently designed Facett, the world’s first self-fit modular hearing aid for profit-for-purpose company, Blamey Saunders hears.
Other speakers included:
• Associate Dean, Social Futures at the School of Vocational Design and Social Context at RMIT, Tony Graham,
• CEO of the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) Emma King
• Director of the Future Social Service Institute (FSSI), Micaela Cronin
• MC, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy and the Social Economy in FSSI, Professor David Hayward.
Victorian Chamber media contacts: Ellana Katos, ekatos@victorianchamber.com.au 0400 976 889 & Anne Wright, awright@victorianchamber.com.au 0423 883 945
RMIT media contact: Karen Phelan, 0439 704 077
Background – About the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.
