Aged care offers rewarding career opportunities

THE growth of the aged care sector has seen an upsurge in job opportunities within the industry.

For those that choose this path, the genuine appreciation of caring for our elderly is proving a most rewarding career.

For those interested in starting work in the sector, The Gordon is teaming with local aged care providers at an information session hosted at The Gordon’s Geelong City Campus on Thursday, 16 February, at 1.30pm.

“The session aims to provide details about working in the sector and how traineeships can provide a great way to earn while you learn,” said Megan Hortle, work placement manager at The Gordon.

“It is also the perfect opportunity to meet prospective employers and find out if a career in caring is for you.

“Aged care is the ideal career for anyone who is caring and compassionate and wants to make a difference in a senior person’s life.

“You are there to maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life.

“It is so rewarding as you continue to make lifelong and meaningful connections. It is one of the reasons so many people enjoy their day-to-day work in aged care.”

More seniors are electing to stay in their homes and receive assistance with everyday living.

As a result, there has been a considerable increase in the need for qualified individual support workers to be in-home carers.

In-home care companies provide various services to enable people to remain independent.

“We actively encourage anyone looking to work as an in-home carer to join our part-time program,” said Michelle Millroy, business manager for health programs at The Gordon.

“The course is delivered on Saturdays, allowing you to work as a carer and ensure you meet the minimum education requirements.”

For those seeking a career as a carer, The Gordon offers a dual qualification in both the disability and ageing streams.

“I have been working in the industry for over 35 years, and it is the most rewarding career you could have,” said Christine Davey, an individual support teacher at The Gordon.

“We are working with some of the most vulnerable people in our society, who appreciate all the time and care you give them.

“So, you will be rewarded with the thank yous and the gratitude and knowing that you have come away making someone’s life better and more enriched.

“Many who come to study with us are changing their career to work in the sector, creating a new life for themselves and involving others in it.”

With an increasingly ageing population, the demand for aged care professionals will grow further, providing job security and opportunities for advancement.

The Human Services Workforce Forum report, released in March 2022, states that by 2050, the aged care workforce is expected to grow to more than one million people to meet forecast demand for services.

Over that same time the aged and disabled carers segment of the workforce projected to grow by 24.7 per cent, experiencing the highest growth rate of all occupations in the health care and social assistance industry.

Register online for the information session on Thursday, 16 February, at 1.30 pm at The Gordon’s Geelong City Campus.

Learn more about how you can find a rewarding career in individual support by visiting thegordon.edu.au.

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