The workforce for Australia’s care sectors is under unprecedented pressure, with aged care, disability, and early childhood education all grappling with critical workforce shortages. This challenge has the power to shape the wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable communities for decades to come. As such, the ability to train, retain, and support skilled professionals has never been more vital.
Behind every statistic and anecdote about workforce shortages lies a bigger question: how do we build the skilled, committed workforce Australia needs?
The newly released FPIP Impact Report 2025 takes a close look at this challenge, outlining how For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP) is combining social purpose with sustainable returns across its portfolio.
Among the standout examples is Catalyst Education, whose work in skills training is helping to build and sustain the care workforce of the future.
We’re proud to share some of the key highlights from the report that show how the team here at Catalyst is helping to build and sustain the care workforce of the future.
Expanding reach Australia-wide
A major highlight of the past year was Catalyst Education’s acquisition of ARC Training in February 2025. ARC, a New South Wales–based RTO with a strong track record in aged care, disability, and business training, broadens Catalyst’s geographic reach and adds depth in employer partnerships and training delivery.
These strengths build on Catalyst’s established reputation in Victoria through Selmar Institute and Practical Outcomes, creating a combined organisation with stronger capability across sectors as well as greater reach, including regional scope.
The integration of ARC expands Catalyst’s footprint across multiple states and territories, creating a truly national platform for vocational education and training in the care sectors. By bringing together ARC’s local employer and community connections with Catalyst’s learner-centred model, more Australians now have access to flexible, high-quality, workplace-based training.
Delivering optimal outcomes for learners
Catalyst’s results continue to stand out across the vocational education sector. In 2025:
- 79% of Catalyst learners improved their employment position, compared with the industry average of 65%.
- 35% of learners trained while working, far exceeding the 10% industry average.
These outcomes are a reflection of a model built on partnership with employers, practical training delivery, and a commitment to supporting learners from diverse backgrounds.
At Catalyst we are going beyond simply equipping people with qualifications, and doing everything possible to ensure they are truly stepping into meaningful, sustainable careers.
Resilience in the face of change
In 2024, Catalyst Education faced a major test when the Victorian government reduced Skills First funding for independent RTOs by 60%. This was a devastating blow but one that we were determined to push through and overcome.
Catalyst responded by diversifying revenue streams, expanding fee-for-service offerings, and building new solutions to meet emerging skill and geographic needs.
This ability to adapt quickly meant Catalyst continued to deliver strong student outcomes while staying financially sustainable. A testament to the resilience of the Catalyst team and of FPIP’s investment model, which puts quality at the centre of both social impact and financial performance.
Collaboration to create maximum impact
Catalyst’s collaboration with For Purpose Aged Care shows how training can be embedded directly into communities to address workforce shortages. In Romsey and Wagga Wagga, new traineeship programs are helping local residents, including career changers and new arrivals in Australia, to enter the aged care workforce.
These programs give individuals new opportunities while strengthening the aged care services that regional communities depend on. Catalyst is creating long-term career pathways that benefit both workers and residents by bringing training into workplaces and tailoring the support given to what learners actually want and need.
Looking forward
Catalyst’s next chapter will focus on:
- Integrating ARC Training: This aims to broaden geographic reach and combine operations nationally.
- AI-enabled learning support tools: Our goal is to provide personalised, flexible guidance for students and make training more accessible.
- Expanded course offerings: Including leadership and specialist care programs, to equip the workforce with the skills needed for the future.
With a forward-thinking strategy, we’re striving to ensure Catalyst continues to play a vital role in addressing workforce shortages while innovating for long-term sustainability.
Purpose and profit in action
Catalyst’s journey is a real-life example of FPIP’s broader mission: combining social purpose with sustainable returns. The organisation’s ability to expand nationally, deliver above-benchmark outcomes, and adapt through major policy shifts demonstrates that high-quality, values-driven training can transform both individual lives and entire sectors.
For FPIP, this is evidence of a model where purpose and profit are not competing goals but reinforcing ones. By applying patient capital and strong governance to the social sector, FPIP is creating systems change that benefits learners, employers, and communities alike.
We’re proud to see Catalyst Education evolve to be more than an education provider. It is proof that impact investment, done right, builds the workforce Australia needs, one learner, one community, and one sector at a time.
You can read the full FPIP Impact Report 2025: Our Impact
At Catalyst Education, we believe that education has the power to change lives. It uplifts communities while also creating meaningful career pathways.
With that vision at heart, we’re proud to announce our acquisition of ARC Training, marking an exciting milestone in our mission to deliver high-quality, learner-focused education across Australia.
This strategic move brings together two organisations committed to empowering learners and building a stronger care sector workforce.
A stronger, broader education network
A respected NSW-based Registered Training Organisation (RTO), ARC Training is known for its exceptional training in aged care, disability care, and business.
ARC Training is welcomed into the Catalyst Education group alongside Selmar Institute of Education and Practical Outcomes, supporting us to expand our reach into NSW, South Australia, and the ACT, while continuing to lead the way in early childhood and aged care training in Victoria.
“Education has the power to change lives,” says David Barnett, Chair of Catalyst Education. “By bringing ARC Training into our group, we’re broadening our ability to support more learners, empower more communities, and create greater opportunities for people pursuing meaningful careers in the care sector.”
Responding to sector demand
This acquisition comes at a time when demand for skilled professionals in aged care and disability care is growing across Australia. Catalyst Education and ARC Training will combine expertise and resources, working together to help meet this demand. This ensures that more learners have access to nationally recognised, industry-aligned training that leads to meaningful employment.
“Bringing ARC Training into the Catalyst Education family is about more than growth — it’s about strengthening our collective impact,” adds Kean Selway, Group CEO. “Together, we can equip more people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Continuity and collaboration
ARC Training will continue to operate under its trusted brand and approach, while leveraging the broader support, collaboration, and resources of Catalyst Education and its other RTOs.
Learners and partners can expect the same commitment to quality and care that both ARC and Catalyst are known for, now with the added strength of being part of a national education network.
This acquisition reflects Catalyst Education’s dedication to building a more connected, resilient Australia. One where passionate people are supported to thrive as highly skilled professionals in vital care and community roles.
We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing to create positive change, together.
Catalyst Education Pty Ltd and For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP) are proud to announce the acquisition of ARC Training, a NSW-based Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with a strong track record in aged care, disability care, and business training. This acquisition strengthens Catalyst’s ability to deliver high-quality, learner-focused education and ensure a well-trained workforce for Australia’s most vital care sectors.
“At Catalyst Education, we believe that education has the power to change lives. By welcoming ARC Training into our group, we are expanding our ability to support more learners, empower more communities, and provide greater opportunities for those pursuing careers in the care sector,” said David, Chair of Catalyst Education. “This acquisition enhances our capacity to deliver high-quality, accessible training that equips people with the skills they need to make a real difference.”
With this expansion, Catalyst Education is better positioned to support the increasing demand for skilled workers in the care industry. “I am grateful that Catalyst Education will be the new owner and steward [of ARC Training]. Our organisations have very similar vision and values, and I can see the group growing stronger together into the future. I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible team at ARC Training who have improved the lives of thousands of people across Australia, and I wish everyone all the best for their future” said Cameron Ryan, previous CEO of ARC Training.
By integrating ARC Training’s expertise and reach with Catalyst’s existing RTOs – Selmar Institute of Education and Practical Outcomes, more learners will have access to nationally recognised, industry-aligned education that leads to meaningful employment.
“This acquisition is not just about growth – it’s about impact. The care sector relies on passionate, well-trained professionals, and we are committed to equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in these critical roles,” David added.
Executive Director of FPIP, Michael Traill said “Skills education is vital to the social sectors where we seek to make a difference through impact investment, including aged care and early childhood education and care. We are building impact at scale with a platform of aligned businesses and the combined strength of ARC Training and Catalyst Education means we will reach more learners and employers in the vital markets of NSW, SA and the ACT while generating long-term value for investors.”
This acquisition represents a shared commitment to ensuring that the care and education sectors continue to thrive and evolve. As part of Catalyst Education, ARC Training will continue to combine purpose with action, working to drive workforce development, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.
We are excited for the future and look forward to what lies ahead as we work together to create a stronger, more connected Australia.
David Barnett
Chair, Catalyst Education Pty Ltd