With an ageing population and a shrinking workforce set to cripple Bendigo’s aged and disability care sector, the industry is looking at new ways to stimulate interest and recruit new staff.

Kevin Pittman of Care Beyond Measure said agencies are developing measures to avoid the potential crisis, adding that within three years they'll need 1200 new carers in Bendigo.

Care Beyond Measure, Gordon Institute of TAFE and Deakin University have begun an accredited aged-care course with the aim that students, having been trained in work like conditions, will get immediate placement on completion.

Continuing Education Bendigo trainer Kevin Brown said a similar training program involving Bupa Aged Care has helped tackle the issue of getting people qualified to step into the role, although the region is barely keeping up with demand.

“It’s my belief that we’re going to need more and more workers,” he said.

“I can see armies and armies of community-based staff looking after people in their homes. There’s just not enough aged care facilities available.”