Ageing Population Drives Demand for Aged Care Workers

Ageing Population Drives Demand for Aged Care Workers

Factors such as automation, globalisation and increased health care are set to rapidly change the job climate over the next 10 – 20 years. While developments in technology have meant that many labour jobs may soon be obsolete, advancements in technology and health indicate steady growth in both IT and health care sectors. This will therefore lead to a growing demand in jobs for aged care workers and IT specialists.

In these changing times, job seekers must identify what study paths are going to stand the test of time and lead to strong employment opportunities once qualified. There are endless courses to study, but which are going to ensure an entry-level job at the end of it all?

Aged Care: A Growth Industry

As indicated by the Australian Human Rights Commission’s report on the Future of Australia’s Aged Care Sector Workforce, the number of Australians aged 65+ is set to account for one quarter of the population by 2055. While this medical feat means longer life expectancy for most Australians, it also places a large demand on aged care services, with Adzune reporting the number of aged care job vacancies doubling Australia wide each year. In 2016, aged care sector jobs were the most abundant of any industry, with 400% more advertised roles than job applications.

Changing patterns of disease and medical treatments are further increasing the proportion of frail elderly people with complex personal, physical and emotional care needs. The ageing boomer generation also indicates a significant proportion of wealthy elderly Australians who are willing to pay a premium for private, in-home care.

Why Aged Care?

Those considering a career in aged care should be aware that, beyond the abundance of job opportunities available, aged care workers have high job satisfaction due to the meaningful differences they are able to make in people’s lives. Working in aged care will not only be rewarding, but will enable workers to create meaningful, person-to-person bonds with the patients they empower.

Aged care workers not only have the comfort of an abundance of job opportunities, they can also benefit from a highly flexible industry and are able to be nationally qualified in under 6 months. Those new to the workforce or re-entering after a period away are able to make the most of full time, part time or casual job roles. This is a great industry for those re-entering the workplace after raising children. With a 79% female workforce and an abundance of part time and casual opportunities, working Mums are often able to find shifts that work around school hours or child care.

International Students Thrive

Those born outside of Australia are highly valued in the Aged Care industry, as multilingual carers mean specialised care for diverse patients. An understanding of another culture or language can be like a superpower in aged care services, with the expertise to provide complex care to those from the same or similar background as yourself. International students often thrive in these areas for this reason.

Those with English as a second language are encouraged to apply for our Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) at Centacare, with tools such as complimentary language and literacy support, resume writing workshops and referrals to settlement agencies to help you through the course.

Education Pathways

With the aged care sector growing rapidly, jobs for those with a qualification in Individual Support (Ageing) don’t stop at support worker. Those looking for growth in the industry can (with further training and experience) become clinical or regional managers, registered nurses or work on the road as case managers.

Those studying to be an aged care worker at Centacare also have the benefit of 120 hours work experience, which not only looks great on your resume, but allows students to get a real feel for the job while they are still learning.

If you are passionate about empowering others, and looking for a qualification that will get you employed, enrol in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) at a Registered Training Organisation like Centacare

For more information or to apply, head to our website today.

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