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Qualifications for a Rewarding Career in Aged Care

on Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Providing care to ageing individuals is a role that comes with great responsibility, but also one that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Working in the aged care and community care sector provides numerous benefits including diversity in tasks, flexible working hours, job security, competitive salaries and opportunities for upskilling and professional development. Most importantly, it offers a career to be proud of – one where the work carers do each day contributes directly to improving the quality of life for other human beings.

A sector with career prospects

In Australia, aged care is a booming sector that has a high demand for skilled and trained workers. With the ageing population forecasted to increase significantly over the next several decades, so too will the need for a developed and high functioning aged care system.

With this, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety are set to release their final report which is expected to address strong recommendations to improve the quality of care being provided nationwide. Significant reform around training and education for workers as well as renumeration and working conditions are also predicted to be included within this final report.

Therefore, the need for a skilled, caring and compassionate workforce has never been more essential. Now is the perfect time to consider completing relevant qualifications or upskilling opportunities to get ahead in a thriving aged care career.

What qualifications do you need to succeed?

The entry level qualification is a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015), which upon completion provides graduates with the opportunity to work across many roles. These can include working as a Personal care worker, Community care worker, Residential care worker or Home care assistant.

This qualification provides a solid foundation for individuals to begin their career in aged care, with course units covering capabilities such as working legally and ethically, providing first aid, facilitating the empowerment of older people and supporting those with dementia.

Getting on-the-job experience is crucial to becoming confident in a career caring for others, which is why the Certificate III in Individual Support incorporates a minimum 120 hours practical placement.

The practical placement components of our aged care courses provide hands-on experience where you can apply your theoretical knowledge to real life examples, to help you graduate confident, competent and job-ready. If you are studying while working within a community care role, your work hours will be counted as placement hours, providing you with the opportunity to earn an income while you learn.

Enhancing your career in aged care

One benefit of working in the aged care sector, is not only the diversity in roles but the numerous career pathways and opportunities available. There are several aged care qualifications to choose form to advance your career and diversify your employment opportunities. Upskilling can help you to get the most from your career and steer you in a direction that is best suited to your interests and passions within the sector.

If you are currently working in a direct client care role in the sector, such as a Residential care worker or Personal Care Worker, you may have the desire to take on more responsibilities in developing and facilitating individualised service plans or exploring a leadership position.

A role as an Aged Care Team Leader is a possible career development and can be achieved with experience but also through continuing your education and training. A Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015) can support learners in gaining the skills needed to lead teams, manage legal compliance, deliver palliative care and assist with clients’ medications. From this certificate, you can move into roles including Program coordinator, Care supervisor, and Care team leader.

Alternatively, another upskill opportunity can lead to working to support the mental health and wellbeing of residents through the planning of leisure activities and programs. Undertaking a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health (CHC43415) can see you capable of working in a role such as Lifestyle Co-ordinator, Leisure and therapy assistant or Leisure Officer. These roles are centred around assessing the elderly people in your care and tailoring leisure programs that feature activities to best support the ongoing health, wellbeing and happiness in these individuals’ lives.

Quality aged care training for a rewarding career

With the aged care sector set to experience changes and improvements, the need for highly trained aged care workers is essential. Therefore, education and training are paramount in ensuring the workforce is equipped with skilled professionals capable of delivering care to the highest possible standard.

At Selmar, our learners are supported every step of the way of their learning journey and guided by sector experts. Our training provides human-centred education which helps learners to develop their transferable soft skills and approach their work with patience, respect and compassion and a deeper understanding of how to care for the needs of others.

Whether you’re just starting out or exploring your upskill options, the greatest asset to your career is expanding your knowledge and skillset through experience. This begins with high quality education and at Selmar we are dedicated to ensuring our learners achieve the knowledge, skills and expertise that are required to thrive in a rewarding career in aged care.

If it’s time to get started or further your skills, contact us today on 03 9116 9096.

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