Are you looking to secure a meaningful and rewarding job in the aged care sector? Have you been thinking about becoming an Aged Care Worker and working with some of Australia’s most vulnerable citizens?
Today, working as an Aged Care Worker, or an Aged Care Social Worker can be incredibly fulfilling – providing comfort, companionship and activities for elderly members of the community.
If this is something you’re interested in, let’s take a look at what’s involved in becoming an Aged Care Worker in Australia, from qualifications and training to best practices for securing employment.
What does an Aged Care Worker do?
An Aged Care Worker is a support worker that provides care and support for older people who need help with daily activities. From helping to bathe and dress to providing medication reminders, Aged Care Workers are in a unique position to lend a listening ear and offer kindness and compassion for the lives of their clients.
They often play an important role in maintaining social connectedness, while also helping with practical tasks such as shopping, arranging appointments, or even just having a cup of tea together. Their work is vital because it ensures that older people have safe spaces to age gracefully, allowing them more autonomy and independence.
Ultimately, Aged Care Workers provide medical assistance and so much more: they provide companionship and understanding when needed the most.
What are the tasks and responsibilities of Aged Care Workers?
From assisting with medication administering to aiding with hygiene needs, Aged Care Workers not only ensure that the elderly can live an independent and comfortable lifestyle, but also provide peace of mind for their families.
With many decades worth of experience between them, Care Workers bring a wealth of skills to the table such as communication and problem-solving, and aiding residents to function as independently as possible from day-to-day.
Aged Care Workers also bridge the gap between medical and residential care, providing excellent social support for those living away from loved ones or those with conditions like dementia.
What qualifications do you need to become an Aged Care Worker?
A career as an Aged Care Worker in Australia can be immensely rewarding and provide challenges that benefit both you and the ageing population. To become an Aged Care Worker in Australia, a number of qualifications need to be met in order to gain employment or volunteering opportunities.
These include having a Certificate III or IV in Individual Support or equivalent, like our very own Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021; providing evidence of up-to-date immunisations; and registering with the relevant Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Gaining experience with local community organisations prior to entering the field is a great way to demonstrate your interest and show off your capabilities.
Additional requirements may include a police check, First Aid certificate, NDIS screening check and evidence of up-to-date immunisations. A Drivers Licence may not be required.
What does the industry outlook look like?
The aged care sector in Australia is rapidly growing, and experts predict that job opportunities in this field will continue to increase in the coming years. This is great news for anyone who is looking to begin a career in this industry – not only will they have the ability to enter a secure workforce with lots of potential for expansion, but they can also look forward to improved work conditions.
In 2023, in particular, the federal government promised to increase wages by 15% for direct care staff. This change will be executed over two stages, with the final increase taking effect from the 1st of July 2024. Therefore, those working within the aged care sector can expect to receive above-average remuneration as compared to many other industries across Australia.
With relatively high job security and rewarding compensation packages, the aged care sector looks set for an impressive level of growth over the coming years, with a workforce expanding at an estimated rate of 24,000 new workers per year.
Start your journey towards a fulfilling career in the aged care industry!
The aged care sector in Australia is a rapidly expanding industry that offers numerous opportunities for those with the right qualifications and experience. Highly rewarding and secure, this career path has the potential to offer attractive wages and job security along with the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of older people.
If you’d like to get started, we can help you take the first step in your journey with our series of courses designed for the aged care sector, including our Certificate III in Individual Support here at Breakthru College. To find out more, get in touch with us today!
With a Bachelor of Photography, Graduate Certificate in Writing, Editing and Publishing, a Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing, and nearly five years’ experience in the industry, Courtney works as a marketing coordinator in our Fortitude Valley location.
Courtney is driven by a passion for advocacy, especially for individuals with disability. As someone born with a hearing impairment, she is dedicated to breaking down barriers and inspiring others to embrace diversity. In her spare time, Courtney can be found rewriting Greek myths, photographing dogs, and travelling.
