Australia's ageing population, and the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, is increasing the demand for personal care workers.

So if you have a caring personality and you’ve ever considered leveraging your compassionate nature into a career, then you’re just the kind of person who might enjoy a personally fulfilling career as an in demand aged care worker.

Spotlight on industry: An ageing population

Given that demand for home care and home support services by older Australians is expected to increase considerably over the coming years, aged care workers are forming an increasingly integral part of the Australian workforce.

Aged care workers and other related healthcare professionals, provide care for the elderly when they can no longer live on their own. This may be in private residences, medical institutions such as hospitals and clinics, or aged care homes.

Currently, aged and disabled care workers account for 8.5% of the entire heath care and social assistant industry workforce. It is predicted, that by 2023, aged and disable care workers will account for nearly 40% of all workers in the same area.

Spotlight on job opportunities: Significant growth

Aged and disabled carers is one occupational group that has shown a significant increase, with employment between 2013 and 2018 growing by 36.2%, compared to just a 10.4% growth across all occupations.

This growth equates to an extra 46,600 jobs for workers within the sector, and the growth is expected to continue - with the largest growth in employment for aged and disabled carers through to May 2023, being projected to rise up by 69,200.

Spotlight on industry skills

To have a successful aged care career, you must have a strong sense of compassion and personal empathy, combined with strong interpersonal communication skills to help you make connections with those in your care, as well as key skills regarding the following:

• Looking for helpful ways to serve other people
• Social perceptiveness and understanding why people react the way they do
• Actively listening to others, and asking good questions
• Talking to, and communicating well with others
• Monitoring how well people are doing, and making improvements where and when necessary
• Critically thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve problems

Spotlight on employee demand: Skills shortage

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, health professionals continue to be in short supply with a range of occupations being in particular demand. Shortages are more prevalent outside major cities, and vacancies are harder to fill in remote, and very remote areas, especially in residential facilities.

Finding appropriately skilled applicants in an environment of increasing demand and high recruitment activity is a key challenge for employers, especially for roles like:

• Support workers
• Assistants in nursing
• Allied health assistants
• Diversional/recreational therapy assistants
• Mental health workers
• Peer support workers
• Administrative and support services

Spotlight on careers: Aged or Disabled Carer

Aged and disabled carers provide general household assistance (like helping them shower, use the toilet, dress, move around the house, etc.), emotional support, care and companionship for aged and disabled people in their own homes, or in support facilities.

There were 345 job ads listed in NSW over the last three months
Average salary: $46,930
Relevant qualification:

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (CHC33015)
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (CHC33015)
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015)
Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115)

TAFE NSW teachers are all industry experts who shape their courses to reflect modern trends evolving within the aged and disability care sector. So when you choose to study at TAFE NSW, you can be assured that the skills and knowledge you learn, will help you to start your aged care career the right way.

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