Disability and Aged Care is one of the most common doubts among students, especially International Students who don’t know how these sectors work in Australia. Even though there are many similarities between the courses, there are some crucial differences in the day-to-day activities, and we are going to assist you to choose the right career path for you!
Firstly is important to understand that the entry pathway for both industries is the qualification CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support and then you must choose the specialisation in Aged Care or Disability, which means, only 4 elective units will be different, the core units of the course remain the same in both specialties, including part of the electives. The course is delivered over 30 weeks, including 120 placement hours in an approved facility organised by Educare College.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE IN EACH INDUSTRY? HOW MUCH IS THE AVERAGE SALARY?
AGED CARE – Work as part of a team, in a fixed workplace.
Being specialised in Aged Care generally, you are most likely to work inside of an aged residential facility with an average salary of $22-$25 per hour. Much of your working day will be indoors (for most jobs) and in one location, without much travel required. You’re likely to work closely with residents and have regular interactions with co-workers while providing support to residents as part of a team. Some key work tasks include assisting residents with:
- Daily activities might include assisting with medication, eating meals, showering and other personal care
- Other activities that support residents to maintain their hobbies and interests and also connect with other residents in the facility or in the wider community.
Job titles
- Aged Care Worker
- Assistant in Nursing
- Personal Care Assistant
- Accommodation Support Worker
Courses Available:
DISABILITY – Work independently in clients’ homes.
In a disability services role, you’re likely to work with NDIS providers, having different clients every day with physical or mental disabilities and support them most likely in their homes, with an average salary of $28 – $32 per hour. Your work is to be a companion undertaking a variety of tasks each day to support clients to be independent and active in their communities such as:
- Assisting with medication, preparing meals, laundry, basic cleaning, and personal care
- Accessing and participating in hobbies, sports, arts and community programs
- Transport to and from activities, appointments, shopping, outings, lunch, movies or holidays
- Support to develop work skills and participate in employment
Job titles
- Personal Support Worker
- Home Care Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
- Accommodation Support Worker
Courses Available:
All in all the good news is, regardless of which specialty you might choose, both industries are booming and there is a significant demand for Care Workers across Australia. The majority of our students found a job in these industries during and after their placement.
An analysis released by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) estimates that within the next decade there will be a shortage of 110,000 direct aged-care workers, and this number could increase again to 400,000 by 2050.
Also, 1 in 5 people living in Australia have some form of disability or multiple disabilities and The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) allows around 500,000 Australians under 65 years, who have permanent and significant disabilities, to access funding and support services, as a result, thousands of jobs are being added out there across the country every week.
There are plenty of opportunities waiting for you!
Enquire now info@educare.edu.au