Get ahead in a growing industry!
8 reasons why a career in aged care and disability support is the smartest decision you’ll ever make!
(And how to get qualified at no cost)
Are you looking for a new career? One that is rewarding, and where your skills will be in high demand?
Let’s look at why one of the most secure industries you can work in is aged care and disability support, and how you can get qualified at no cost.
All the facts and figures point to our aging population boom.
Our population has more than doubled in the last 50 years. The 1971 census counted 12,493,001 people, the 2021 census counted 25,422,788 on census night.
And the need for care.
Over eight million Australians reported having a long-term health condition in the most recent census and it’s an issue that disproportionately affects older Australians, almost 63% of people aged over 65. Plus, it’s not just our aging population that needs support. Over 1.4m Australians of all ages identified as requiring assistance with core activities.
Growing local infrastructure and opportunities.
In February, City of Logan Mayor Darren Power, spoke at a public hearing for the Health and Environment Committee’s Inquiry into the provision of primary, allied and private health care, aged care and NDIS care services and its impact on the Queensland public health system. He identified the high demand for health care in the City of Logan. Power said council has been successful in attracting important health and medical investments and more than 30,000 square metres of private health projects are expected to be delivered across the city in the next 12 months to three years.
A better work-life balance.
Many providers have flexible or casual arrangements with their staff and because care is needed 24/7, you can find hours to best suit your life.
You can also ditch the commute. Logan already has a strong industry of aged and disability care providers. As the aging population booms, recommendations from the royal commission into aged care are implemented, and more health and medical investments are made in the area, the opportunities to gain secure, rewarding, and well remunerated employment, just a short distance from your residence, do as well.
Demand already outstrips supply.
In late 2021, National Disability Services chief executive David Moody said approximately 430,000 Australians were being supported under the National Disability Insurance Scheme and that “at the moment, the estimated shortage is about 120,000 workers across Australia“.
Secure, ongoing employment.
That demand is growing, which is good news for job security and wage growth. The National Skills Commission also identified Aged Care and Disability Support jobs were expected to grow by 24.7% by 2025. Making it the highest employment growth sector in Australia.
Your skills are valuable
Not just to an employer, or financially, but to the millions of Australians who need your care. You’ll be making a real difference and positive change in the lives of the people you support. Many people who work in the industry say that the relationships they form with the members of the community they care for are incredibly rewarding and give them a greater sense of achievement than any other job. And through their role they have also developed skills of patience, compassion and understanding, that positively affect their personal outside-of-work relationships and connection to the local community.
You can get started at no cost.
A Certificate III in Individual Support is the standard qualification accepted by the industry to start your career, and Kingston East Neighbourhood Group (KENG) are currently intaking students for a July/August start.
Funding provided by the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, allows our not-for-profit community organisation to deliver this nationally recognised qualification to eligible students at no cost.
The qualification, in partnership with Major Training, combines theory with practical training so that you feel confident in your ability to provide individualised, person centred support to people who need care.
KENG also provide wrap around support to help get you ready for work and set you up for success. Training is delivered part time, in school hours, with childcare facilities on site, over 16 weeks. It also includes blue card, police check, CPR and First Aid training, job readiness assistance with resumes, interview preparation, job applications etc. and guaranteed work placement.
To register your interest and get started in the growing aged care and disability support industries visit www.keng.org.au or call SQW coordinator Sudhara on 0418 984 790.
