Over the last few years, the Australian aged care sector has experienced massive growth, which has, in turn, opened a wide range of job opportunities for individuals willing to provide community services. Also, because of the newly introduced NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), employment demand in this industry has reached a new height. So, if you plan to build a career as an aged care worker, it is a perfect time. This is also why the popularity of aged care courses in Perth has greatly increased among high school graduates. This blog discusses important factors that you must know before joining this sector.
Current scenario of the population of aged Australians
Life expectancy in Australia is better than in many countries, so the country’s population is growing old at a high speed. According to government data, 1 in 7 Australians is currently aged 65 or over.
This number is expected to rise in the coming years. According to government estimates, the number will be 8.8 million in 2057, which equals 22% of the total population.
From these figures, you can understand how many job openings will be available in the near future.
Difference between an aged care course and a disability care course
Most candidates ask one of the questions regarding the difference between aged care courses and disability care courses. These two different types are advertised separately, which makes people more confused.
If you are a beginner, you must enrol in Certificate III in Individual Support (Code: CHC33015). The course is designed such that you will have the option to choose between disability and aged care.
Both these specialities share some common core units. However, the elective units you choose will determine your career in the aged care sector.
Difference Between Core And Elective Units
Now, let us discuss core and elective units covered under this course.
Core units (same for both ageing and disability specialities)
- CHCCCS015 – Provide individualised support
- CHCCCS023 – Support independence and well being
- CHCDIV001 – Work legally and ethically
- CHCCOM005 – Communicate and work in health or community services
- HLTWHS002 – Follow safe work practices for direct client care
- HLTAAP001 – Recognise healthy body systems
Elective units (if you choose Ageing speciality)
- CHCCCS011 – Meet personal support needs
- CHCAGE001 – Facilitate the empowerment of older people
- CHCAGE001 – Provide support to people living with dementia
Elective units (if you choose Disability speciality)
- CHCDIS001 – Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strength-based support
- CHCDIS002 – Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
- CHCDIS007 – Facilitate the empowerment of people with disability
- CHCDIS003 – Support community participation and social inclusion
Common elective units (2 for disability and 3 for ageing)
- CHCAGE002 – Implement fall prevention strategies
- CHCPAL001 – Deliver care services using a palliative approach
- CHCCCS017 – Provide loss and grief support
- CHCPRP001 – Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
- CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice
The Time It Will Take To Complete A Disability Or An Aged Care Course
The factors that play key roles in the duration of a course is the method of training an organisation uses to deliver courses and the amount of required training. Usually, it takes about 26 weeks to complete. Whatever institute you choose, you must complete a 120-hour vocational training placement.
Total course cost can get lowered
Various government subsidies are available for students enrolling in an aged care course. If you become eligible to receive these subsidies, it will significantly reduce your total course costs. So, before you apply, you must check whether your institute supports government funding. so, meeting the following eligibility criteria is also necessary.
- You must be an Australian permanent resident or citizen. Being an eligible New Zealand citizen will also make you eligible.
- You must be out of school and under 20 years of age.
- While applying, you should not hold Certificate III in Individual Support.
Only online classes will not make you sufficiently qualified
It is a common misconception that both aged and disability courses are offered online. In reality, the course is not completely delivered online as you have to be equipped with practical skills training like infection control and manual handling. You can learn these skills only in on-campus classes. Most top-ranked colleges offer a mixed delivery model to teach the students.
For theoretical explanation, online classes can be beneficial. But to develop practical skills, there is no alternative to hands-on training.
Jobs that you can get after completing an aged care or disability care course
As the aged and disability care sector is growing, you will be able to find a wide range of employment positions in various workplace settings:
- Aged or disability care worker
- Residential care worker
- Respite care worker
- Personal care worker
With a qualification in aged care, you may find a job in various residential care centres, private homes, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. On the other hand, qualifying for disability support will allow you to find jobs in NDIS providers. Whatever stream you choose, you must have a caring and compassionate attitude to deliver to your clients.
The payment you will receive as a professional
As per government data, full-time non-managerial aged and disability care professionals receive $1265.
The number of employees currently employed in the aged care sector industry is 177200, including 80% of female workers. 33% of these workers are full-time.
You will have higher learning opportunities
If you are not interested in getting a job after completing the Certificate 3 course or if you want to broaden your professional skills in aging support to improve your career potential, you can enrol in Certificate IV in Aged Care. This course will equip you with leadership skills.
What course should you choose?
Graduates of both these courses become successful in securing a stable job position as soon as they gain their qualifications. As you now have a brief understanding of the difference between the two, you can make your choice based on your preferences. You can look for colleges providing aged care courses in Perth, and once you select one, talk to their representatives for specific information. So, before you enrol, get in touch with the institute help desk and discuss course fees, whether they accept government subsidies, course delivery modules, etc.