What are the most in-demand care careers in Australia?

COVID-19 has brought a significant change in the job market. We are all curious to know which industries are thriving in recent scenarios and what are the most in-demand care careers. While some industries are struggling in recent times, the health care and social assistance industry still rank higher in terms of new job opportunities.

The health care and social services industry faced huge pressure during early 2020 increasing the demand for skilled workers. Several other factors like ageing population, rising awareness of mental health are also influencing the demand for skilled workers in this industry. Health care and social assistance encompass several sectors from nursing, aged care, child care, mental health, disability support and community services; all of which are crucial for our health and social wellbeing.

Did you know?

72.5% of occupations within health care and social services industry have returned and exceed their pre-pandemic levels of job vacancies.

So if you are planning to start a career or change career in the care sector, go ahead! It’s a wise move!

Let’s have a look at the most in-demand care careers in Australia

In-Demand Care Careers in Australia

 

  1. Nursing & Medical Practitioners
  2. Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Teacher
  3. Aged or Disabled Carer and Personal Care Assistant
  4. Welfare workers: Child Welfare, Youth and Family Services
  5. Psychology, Counselling & Social Work

1. Nursing & Medical Practitioners

Nursing Practitioners assess, diagnose, order, and interpret medical tests, prescribe medications, and collaborate in the care of patients. Nursing care can be provided in hospitals, at home or in outpatient facilities. Nurses work as part of a care team that includes doctors, therapists and social workers. The nursing profession includes roles such as Enrolled Nurses, Registered Nurses, Practice Nurses, Theatre Nurses, Mental Health Nurses and Clinical Nurses.

Outlook for Registered Nurse

  • What is the Job Growth for Registered Nurse in the next 5 years?
    15.6% National increase in next 5 years
  • What is the Average Weekly Salary of a Registered Nurse?
    $1909
  • How to start a career as a Nurse?
    There are two different pathways to become a nurse

    • Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
      • Complete a Diploma in Nursing
    • Registered Nurse
      • Complete a bachelor degree in Nursing OR
      • Complete a 2-year Masters of Nursing
    • All nurses must apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
    • Registration must be renewed annually.

2. Child Care Worker

Child Care workers provide care and supervision for children. They are responsible for providing a nurturing and safe environment for students in a variety of private and government settings including residential homes, child care centre, daycare centre, community centre, schools.

Outlook for Child Care Worker

  • What is the Job Growth for Child Care Worker in the next 5 years?
    10.2% National increase in next 5 years
  • What is the Average Weekly Salary of a Child Care Worker?
    $953
  • How to start a career as a Child Care Worker?
    Complete a qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care
    Complete a Working with Children Check

3a. Aged Care Worker

Aged Care Workers support and assist the health and wellbeing of their clients. This includes providing physical, basic medical and emotional support in a residential or community setting.

Outlook for Aged Care Worker

  • What is the Job Growth for Aged Care Worker in the next 5 years?
    24.7% National increase in next 5 years
  • What is the Average Weekly Salary of an Aged Care Worker?
    $1265
  • How to start a career as an Aged Care Worker?
    Complete a vocational qualification in Individual Support, Ageing Support or Community Services
    Volunteer to gain more work experience

3b. Disability Support Worker

Disability Support workers help empower people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. They assist with daily tasks, personal hygiene, emotional support, mobility support in a variety of settings.

Outlook for Disability Support Worker

  • What is the Job Growth for Disability Support Worker in the next 5 years?
    24.7% National increase in next 5 years
  • What is the Average Weekly Salary of a Disability Support Worker?
    $1265
  • How to start a career as a Disability Support Worker?
    Complete a vocational qualification in Individual Support, Disability Support or Community Services
    Volunteer to gain more work experience

4. Welfare workers: Child Welfare, Youth and Family Services

Welfare workers help people improve their quality of life and become independent. These include accommodation and housing support, case management, domestic violence support, organise community events, child welfare, youth and family services etc. Work is carried out in residential or community settings. Job Roles: Community Support Worker, Health and Welfare Officer, Welfare Support worker etc.

Outlook for Welfare and Community Worker

  • What is the Job Growth for Welfare and Community Worker in the next 5 years?
    23.1% National increase in next 5 years
  • What is the Average Weekly Salary of a Welfare and Community Worker?
    $1328
  • How to start a career as a Welfare and Community Worker?
    Complete a vocational qualification in Community Services
    Volunteer to gain more work experience and understand the community to provide better support.

5. Psychology, Counselling and Social Work

Workers in Psychology, Counselling and Social Work support clients with a range of different issues such as social injustice, mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). With rising awareness of mental health issues, the demand for skilled workers in this category is increasing. Work is carried out in various settings. Job Roles: Counsellor, Social Worker, Psychologist, Mental Health Support Worker, Community Support Worker.

Outlook for Mental Health Support Worker

  • What is the Job Growth for Mental Health Support Worker in the next 5 years?
    15.2% National increase in next 5 years
  • What is the Average Weekly Salary of a Mental Health Support Worker?
    $1346
  • How to start a career as a Mental Health Support Worker?
    Complete a vocational qualification in Mental Health or Community Services
    Volunteer to gain more work experience and understand the sector.

What to include in your care career resume?

If you’re looking for your next role in Healthcare, there may be more opportunities coming your way. But you may still face strong competition, so how can you make your application stand out?

  • Highlight your genuine commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of others.
  • Showcase Priority and in-demand Generic skills
  • Highlight achievements such as performance during an emergency or high-stress situation.
  • Showcase certifications

Read More on how to make your care career resume stand out.

Need help finding out which care career is right for you?

  • Take our 2-minute Career Quiz to help you find out which career is ideal for you.
  • Once you have your results, do a skills audit and find out your strengths and weaknesses. Skills can always be perfected with training and education.
  • Research more
    • Is their Work Flexibility?
    • Salary prospects?
    • Is the Job stable?
    • Does it offer the good Work-Life balance that you are looking for?
  • Speak to an expert – People who have education and experience in your field of interest. Schedule a 30min FREE consultation session with our Course and Career advisors.

If you are looking for a career that is in demand, rewarding and resilient – care careers tick all the boxes!

Source: Job Outlook 

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