Do you want to pursue more than just a career?
Career advancement, prestige, and a healthy salary are all benefits of climbing the professional ladder. But what if you want more than that? What if you want to make a positive difference in people’s lives while pursuing your career?
Working with Australia’s ageing population could be just the thing. An Aged Care certificate course teaches you what you need to know to get started
What Is Aged Care?
First, what do we mean by Aged Care? As people grow older, they may struggle to accomplish daily tasks. A career in Aged Care gives you the opportunity to help them.
Aged Care workers assist elderly people either in their own homes or at an Aged Care facility (i.e. nursing home). Workers can help the elderly with a range of tasks from cooking to cleaning to helping with personal care such as bathing or getting dressed.
Growth in Job Opportunities in Aged Care
Life expectancy has been steadily rising in Australia for the past few decades. Currently, the average Australian can expect to live into their eighties. On top of this, 24% of the population is over the age of 55.
This creates a huge opportunity for those looking for a rewarding career. Within just two years, it is estimated that the Aged Care workforce needs to grow by about 3,600 Registered Nurses and 34,200 personal care workers.
Clearly, the need is there and an Aged Care certificate course can help you rise to the challenge.
What job opportunities could an Aged Care course lead to? There are many to choose from including:
- Home care planner
- Case manager
- Aged Care worker
- Community services officer
- Disability support worker
- Personal care assistant
Eventually, you may want to move into a career in nursing. There are various Aged Care nurse specialties that are needed including Aged Care nurse, mental health nurse, and registered nurse.
Is a Career in Aged Care Right for You?
A career in Aged Care allows you to make a positive difference in people’s lives, which is extremely rewarding. But it comes with its challenges.
Aged Care workers are special people, willing to serve their clients and patients with care and compassion. Personality traits and capabilities of people that would enjoy a career in Aged Care include:
- Being responsible
- Caring and compassionate
- Flexible and patient
- Committed to helping the elderly maintain their dignity
- Able to work as part of a team
- Able to communicate clearly
- Physically able to handle the rigours of the job
- Adept at performing domestic duties
Does this sound like you?
Knowledge and Skills
The next question you might have is “what skills do I need for a career in Aged Care?” Aside from the traits we just mentioned, you’ll also need the formal qualification and practical experience to progress.
Many of the basic skills at the entry-level you probably already have. You’ll be helping the elderly with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
While you may have cultivated all these skills in your own home, an Aged Care certificate gives you an edge over other applicants. You’ll also receive basic first-aid training and learn how to work with people that have dementia or memory problems.
The great thing about the Aged Care industry is that you can start at a basic level with minimal training, yet there is plenty of upward mobility.
You can earn other qualifications to expand your opportunities and even move into nursing. There is a huge need for skilled Aged Care nurses and you’ll already be gathering hands-on experience depending on where you work.
What Aged Care qualifications should you study to get started?
A Certificate III in Individual Support will get you well on your way. Enable College makes it easy to study Aged Care by offering this course either full-time (20-25 study hours per week) or part-time (15 study hours per week). You can attend classes on campus and do part of your Aged Care training online at home through our blended learning model.
You will also have the opportunity to develop hands-on experience through our work placement program. Once you finish this Aged Care certificate course, you’ll have the skills you need to begin work immediately.
What jobs can you apply for after completing an Aged Care course?
You will be prepared to work as a Personal Care Worker, Residential Care Worker, Home Care Assistant, Community Care Worker, and more upon completion of the course.
As you start working you might also learn which specialisation you are most passionate about. Enable College can help you move into other, more advanced areas of Aged Care with a Cert IV Aged Care Course.
The Future of Aged Care
Thanks to modern medicine and better living conditions, people are living longer lives. However, they can’t all live to the same capacity that they could when they were younger.
Many elderly people need a strong back and a compassionate soul to come alongside them, helping to maintain their dignity as they gracefully age. You can be that helping hand upon completion of an Aged Care certificate course from Enable College.
Are you ready for a lifelong career helping those who have lived a long life? Talk to us here at Enable College today to begin your learning journey and open the doors to one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue!
