A career in aged care is a fulfilling one. It provides vital physical and emotional support to older community members, from assisting with personal care and hygiene right through to managing severe illness.
Australia constantly needs enthusiastic and empathetic newcomers to the aged care industry. Because of this, the government has created subsidies for specific courses so that recruits can gain the qualifications they need to help enrich this essential sector.
Source: National Industry Insights
Today, you’ll get an overview of the qualifications necessary to start your new career in aged care and how government course subsidies work in your state.
To become an aged care worker, employers typically require you to have a relevant qualification. Ages care has many facets and many role types. If you have prior training in all areas of aged care, you will be able to hit the ground running once you enter the workforce.
Got previous experience in the healthcare system? Qualifications in a related field? You may already have a head start. For people from an unrelated area, there are Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses available through TAFE and other RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) that can offer flexible learning schedules — and most importantly — are subsidised by the government.
This course supports learners who wish to become support workers or carers in the community or residential aged care settings. You follow individualised plans to support people who require it due to ageing, disability or some other reason.
Duration — The average duration for this course is nine months but can vary between providers. This qualification can be studied in a self-paced or full-time timeframe and is available as an online course or on campus.
Work placement — As part of this qualification, learners are expected to complete a 120-hour work placement.
This qualification prepares the learner for entry-level care worker roles in aged care services, caring for older people in settings like residential care, home care or community services.
Duration — The average duration for this course is nine months but can vary between providers. You can study this qualification in a self-paced or full-time timeframe, online or on campus.
Work placement — As part of this qualification, learners are expected to complete a 120-hour work placement.
This qualification supports those who wish to provide specialised services in aged care facilities, residential support services, home or community-based environments.
This course offers increased career opportunities in aged and community care and can lead to aged care team leader positions.
Duration — The average duration for this course is one year but can vary between providers. You can study this qualification in a self-paced or full-time timeframe, online or on campus.
Placement — As part of this qualification, learners are expected to complete a 120-hour work placement.
Another way to gain your qualification in aged care is through a traineeship. This means you will work in the industry straight away and study simultaneously — earning while you learn.
Both the Certificate III in Individual Support and the Certificate IV in Ageing Support are available as Australian Apprenticeships.
The Australian Government worked in partnership with states and territories to establish JobTrainer.
JobTrainer offers eligible learners free or low-fee VET courses like diplomas, certificates and short courses. JobTrainer covers many industries, one of which is aged care and disability support.
JobTrainer funding includes these qualifications:
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (CHC33015)
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) (CHC33015)
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC40315)
As each state and territories governments work slightly differently, eligibility criteria for JobTrainer courses may vary.
Another way to gain your qualification in aged care is through a traineeship. This means you will work in the industry straight away and study simultaneously — earning while you learn.
A Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Ageing Support are both available as Australian Apprenticeships.
There are several federal and state-run funding programs for high priority industries. The aged care sector has high projected growth. As one of Australia’s most in-need workforces, the government has given special attention to making sure recruits can access the training they need to reinforce this essential industry.
Each State and Territory in Australia does things a little differently regarding course funding. Here is how government subsidies work for aged care qualifications in your state.
Starting a new career can be intimidating and is not always straightforward. Luckily, with government assistance and flexible options for gaining your qualification, including short courses and online learning, your dream of a new, rewarding career in aged care is closer than you might think.
Julia Caplan, an occupational therapist at Total Health Physio, shares insights from her experience in the aged care sector.
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