COVID-19 has been a particularly testing time for health, aged care, and disability services providers. With the elderly being the most vulnerable, care workers in Australia have been working tirelessly to ensure that older people in care, receive the health care and support they need.
The pandemic has been an exceptionally difficult time, putting added pressure on the aged care sector and its workforce. Suitably trained care workers will be critical to ensuring this important service to the Australian community can be maintained, and with a consistently high degree of care, well into the future.
The Australian population is ageing, and it is estimated that the number of care workers will need to triple by 2050 to meet this increase in demand in the future.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the proportion of people aged 65 years and older has increased from 12.3% to 15.9% over the past 20 years. In the same period, the number of people aged 85 years and over increased by 117.1%, compared with a total population growth of 34.8% over the same period.
“Our health, aged care, and disability service providers rely on trained care workers to deliver care services to the elderly. It is a critical service, one which requires skill-based training and qualifications. With the demand for this important service projected to grow, we need to ensure that more trained care workers are added to the workforce over time to help care for our ageing population” – Maryann James, Head of Department, Community Care (ECEC, Individual Support, Disability and First Aid)
Getting started
With roles in the aged care sector varying from nurses, care workers and management and administrative support staff, you can become a part of a steadily growing industry.
MCIE’s CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) is specifically designed to help you gain employment within the sector. Tailored for entry level jobs in residential aged care facilities, community care, and nursing homes, the course will prepare you with the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to provide personalised care and support to elderly people who require ongoing assistance and care within an aged care environment.
Apart from having a National Police Check and First Aid training to participate in work-placement, there are no pre-requisites for this nationally recognised qualification.
Other considerations..
You need to
- ne an Australian citizen or a Permanent Resident
- be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of enrolment
- have Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LAN) standards at the Certificate III level of this qualification
- not hold an Australian qualification at the level of this qualification or higher
- have computer, internet and data access
For eligible students, there is Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding also available. Make sure to check with MCIE if you qualify.
The MCIE learning experience
MCIE focuses on practical education that leads to real-life job outcomes. Throughout the training, you will be taught by expert trainers in various simulated and authentic workplace environments. Our curriculum is based on continuing industry feedback and consultation, ensuring you are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the current demands from the sector.
The course takes nine months to complete and requires you to undertake 120 hours of workplace training in an approved aged care facility. This invaluable experience allows you to gain significant first-hand knowledge and to develop the job-specific skills required for excelling in this field. MCIE is affiliated with aged care facilities throughout Melbourne and the outer suburbs. Our coordinators will support you in securing and completing your work-placement obligations
On successful completion of your training, you will be ready to begin your career journey as a
- Personal carer,
- Aged care worker,
- Accommodation support worker, or
- An in-home respite worker
The skills you will acquire include, recognising healthy body systems, following safe work practices while supporting the independence and well-being of elderly people and meeting personal and individualised support needs, as well as being able to support people living with dementia.
Having achieved the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community), you are now ready to enter the sector with the essential knowledge and skills to shine at your job. As well as gaining priceless expertise through experience, industry networking and other learning opportunities within the sector, you can then choose to up-skill to a Certificate IV in Ageing Support, or another qualification.
Study Aged Care in Melbourne
MCIE’s CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) is specifically designed to help you gain employment within the sector.
Diploma of Community Services (International)
There is high demand for skilled and qualified Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) in the aged care and disability industry throughout Victoria and Australia. Begin a rewarding career with MCIE to support a wide range of diverse people with everyday tasks and make a difference in your community.
Interested in finding out more about this course, or to know where a career in aged care could take you? Get in touch with us on 1300 737 004 or via email at info@mcie.edu.au
References
https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/1CD2B1952AFC5E7ACA257298000F2E76?OpenDocument
https://www.employment.gov.au/newsroom/demand-personal-care-workers-growing
