The health industry, particularly the disability and aged care sectors, have some of the strongest future job growth prospects in Australia. According to the Australian Government, a continuation of steady growth is expected in the next five years, bringing jobs numbers to 245,000 by 2023. Most workers are required to have completed at least a certificate III or IV (3 in 5 carers currently in the workforce hold a VET qualification) or have at least 1 year work experience in this field.
Aged care is strongly gender dominated, with over 75% female workers averaging 45 years of age. A disability or aged care worker can expect a weekly salary of $900 and an average of 35.9 working hours per week. There are many opportunities to work part time, allowing for a flexible lifestyle or combining of jobs. Good English, customer service and a compassionate character are thing employers look for when hiring a carer.
There are many institutions that offer the appropriate qualifications for overseas students to become a personal, disability or aged care worker in Australia.
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Certificate III in Individual Support
This course will help you understand the aged care industry and gain entry level skills and knowledge on how to take care of the elderly. You will learn how to work with diverse people, recognise health body systems, support people with dementia as well as how to empower and facilitate independence in your clients.
Units include:
- CHCCCS015 Provide individualised support
- CHCCCS023 Support independence and wellbeing
- CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services
Certificate IV in Ageing
A Certificate IV in Ageing will provide you with the skills to efficiently work in an aged care environment. You will learn how understand legal and ethical compliance guidelines, provide care with greater knowledge of health issues and plan and implement coping strategies and support systems accordingly.
Units include:
- CHCAGE005 Provide support to people living with dementia
- CHCPAL001 Deliver care services using a palliative approach
- CHCCCS006 Facilitate individual service planning and delivery
Course guidelines:
- 2 – 3 days a week
- Face-to-face classroom based learning with practical demonstrations and workplace training
- Instalment plans may be available
- All applicants wishing to enrol into a Certificate III in Individual Support or a Certificate IV in Ageing must already have, or be willing to apply for, a National Police Clearance. This document must not be older than 3 months at the time of enrolment and is compulsory in order to complete workplace training
Entry requirements:
- Certificate III: High school completion (Year 10, 11 or 12)
- Certificate IV: Completion of a certificate III is required as a prerequisite to enrol into a Certificate IV. You can package both courses and apply for one student visa to cover the whole duration of the total study period
- Academic IELTS: 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0. If you do not have an official English test and are not required to take one for student visa application purposes, you may be able to have your english language ability tested by the school internally
Duration:
- Generally the courses are 6 months each
Indicative Fees:
- These vary depending on the institution you choose to study at as well as the duration of your course(s). A six month course can be $5,000 – $7,000
Intakes:
- Monthly intakes are available unless you choose to study at TAFE
Career outcomes:
- Aged care worker, personal care worker, personal carer, support worker