Opportunity awaits: high job demand in aged care

The Labor Jobs and Skills Summit took place in early September 2022, with employment, training and in-demand roles taking centre stage.

Projections from the government indicate that Australia faces a nationwide skills shortage in key sectors. An influx of qualified workers is required to address this as soon as possible. What’s more, the aged care sector sits at the top of the list of sectors in need.

What is a national skills shortage?

A national skills shortage is, as the term suggests, an Australia-wide shortage of workers who have the qualifications and skills necessary to join a certain sector.

SEEK has put together a list of the top 20 in-demand roles across the country. Factors such as an overburdened healthcare system and decreased immigration of skilled workers throughout the pandemic have shaped the crisis. Media reports suggest that the worker shortfall is currently approaching half a million jobs.

Filling most-needed jobs will be a key challenge for government, employers and educators in the near future. Not surprisingly, SEEK’s data shows that aged and disability care is currently the third most in-demand job in the country.

Viewed in a negative light, this looks quite concerning – but a shift in perspective is all you need to see it as an opportunity.

Employment opportunities abound

One good thing about a skills shortage is that it puts emphasis on jobs, skills and training. This is where Registered Training Organisations (RTO) like Selmar come in. We partner with sector leads and employment service providers to make quality training and access to employment our priority, equipping graduates with everything they need to enter the workforce with confidence.

The current demand for skilled workers means that opportunities for employment and career progression abound. Whether you’re already working in one of these dynamic sectors or looking to start something new, one thing is certain: there’s never been a better time to focus on your career.

Below, we’ve put together a helpful guide to making the most of in-demand roles in aged care.

Take advantage of demand in aged care

Aged care is a diverse sector with a huge need for skilled and compassionate employees. Reports suggest that worker shortfall has more than doubled in the past year and that we need around 35,000 new workers to meet demand.

Becoming an aged care worker provides ample opportunities for both personal and professional growth, with plenty of chances to upskill and many roles to choose from.

Career pathways in aged care

There are many roles available in aged care, and it’s worth checking out our course information to see whether something immediately takes your interest. Outcomes will depend on where you want to take your learning and what style of work you have in mind.

Once you’ve completed your Certificate III you might consider gaining a further qualification like a Certificate IV, after which you’ll be eligible to work in residential or home care.

Leisure and health is another rewarding pathway to take, and once qualified you will be able to work as a lifestyle coordinator, planning activities and programs to support the health and wellbeing of elderly individuals.

The Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management opens up something different again: a pathway into leadership. Individuals who complete this qualification may end up working in roles such as community services management and program coordination.

You can see from these courses just how diverse working in aged care can be, and with opportunities to earn while you learn with a traineeship, now is the time to think about where you’d like your career in aged care to take you.

Earn while you learn with a traineeship

Traineeships are a great way to get ahead in the sector while building your skills and confidence. You will have the ability to earn while you learn, all the while gaining valuable experience in a real workplace. Many individuals find permanent employment and make lasting connections with the people they meet during their time as trainees.

For service providers, traineeships offer a range of benefits including access to skilled workers, government funding and wage subsidies, and the ability to shape the right workforce for the job.

More broadly, traineeships cleverly address the talent shortage in aged care by connecting skilled, compassionate workers with employers who need them.

Exciting career opportunities

The pandemic has changed the way perform and think about work. While this does mean that some sectors face skills deficits and ongoing staff shortages, it also means the job market is open, thriving and waiting for you to make the most of it.

It’s an exciting time for aged care and you can find out how to get involved by reaching out to our team.