How To Start A Career In Aged Care
Why You Should Consider a Career in Aged Care
Starting a career in aged care offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of seniors. As Australia’s population ages, the demand for compassionate and skilled care professionals is rapidly increasing. Aged care is a dynamic industry with diverse roles, opportunities for professional growth, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to a better quality of life for our elders.
Why You Should Read This Guide
If you’re looking for a fulfilling career where you can have a positive impact, aged care is a great choice. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to start your journey in this rewarding field. You may also find our article on Common Duties of an Aged Care Worker helpful for further insight into the responsibilities you'll take on.
Meet Upskilled
At Upskilled, we combine years of experience with a deep commitment to your success. Whether you’re new to the workforce, looking for a career change, or aiming to upskill, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. We don’t just offer qualifications—we provide a community focused on helping you achieve your career goals.
Step #1: Complete the Relevant Education
Qualifications Matter in the Aged Care Industry
While it’s possible to enter the aged care sector without formal qualifications, having credentials like the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is highly regarded by employers. These qualifications open doors to more job opportunities and enhance your earning potential by ensuring you have the essential knowledge and skills to excel in your role.
For more information on what you can expect from a role in this industry, check out our blog on What to Expect in a Career in Aged Care. Learn More About the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
This qualification is designed to develop your expertise as an aged care professional. It includes a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on both the practical and ethical aspects of the job. Throughout the course, you’ll participate in work placements where you can apply what you’ve learned in real-life settings. You’ll gain skills such as recognising healthy body systems, promoting independence, supporting individuals with dementia, and much more.
In addition to these core competencies, you’ll develop essential abilities like cultural sensitivity, problem-solving, and autonomy—key skills needed to thrive in the aged care environment.
Step #2: Choose a Trusted Course Provider
The Importance of Selecting the Right Provider
Choosing a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that you can trust is crucial for receiving a high-quality education. Ensure your provider is accredited, recognised in Australia, and offers a curriculum that meets industry standards. A reputable RTO prepares you for both the theoretical and practical aspects of a career in aged care.
You can read more about how to choose the right course provider in our guide.
Why You Should Choose Upskilled
When you choose Upskilled, you’re choosing an RTO that has helped over 31,000 students achieve their career goals, including in Community Services. Our CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is designed to help you achieve a nationally recognised qualification and can be completed within 18 months—or faster if you’re highly motivated.
With Upskilled, you gain access to our customised learning platform, MyUpskilled, a dedicated Student Support Team, industry-experienced trainers, and engaging online tutorials. We align our courses with industry demands to ensure you gain practical, job-ready skills. Our students are at the centre of everything we do, and we work hard to create learning experiences that are both educational and enjoyable.
Step #3: Enrol in Your Chosen Course
Enrolling Is Your Key to Success
Once you’ve chosen an RTO, the next step is to enrol in the course that aligns with your career aspirations. Make sure you meet the entry requirements and complete the enrolment process.
Enrol Anytime with Upskilled
At Upskilled, you can enrol at any time. There are no formal entry requirements for our aged care course, making it accessible to everyone. After enquiring, one of our Education Consultants will guide you through the process, ensuring you have the right skills and knowledge to succeed. We’ll also conduct a brief assessment in language, literacy, and numeracy to support your learning journey.
Step #4: Gain Practical and Theoretical Skills
Why Balance Practical Experience with Theoretical Learning?
Success in aged care requires a combination of hands-on experience and a solid theoretical understanding. Work placements provide you with the opportunity to apply your skills in real-world scenarios, which is essential for building confidence and competence.
If you're curious about the importance of hands-on experience, we cover this topic in more detail in other blogs.
How We Support Your Learning Journey
Our experienced career advisors, trainers, and student support teams are committed to guiding you throughout your course. At Upskilled, we work to offer the best online learning experience, tailored to your needs. You’ll have 24/7 access to MyUpskilled, where you can find study materials, video tutorials, reading resources, and eTextbooks.
Additionally, our Student Support Team is available to assist with course-related queries. If you ever need extra help, mentoring sessions with your trainers provide personalised support to ensure you succeed.
Step #5: Build Professional Connections and Gain Experience
The Importance of Networking
Networking and gaining relevant experience are crucial steps in establishing your career in aged care. These connections can lead to job opportunities and provide you with valuable industry insights.
Making Connections Is Easy with Upskilled
Many of our courses include work placements, allowing you to gain hands-on experience at a host organisation of your choice. This practical training prepares you for employment and helps you build professional connections within the aged care sector. Additionally, our courses feature role-playing activities that simulate real-life scenarios, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the challenges of the job.
To learn more about networking and advancing your career in aged care, you can explore related articles.
Step #6: Apply for Aged Care Positions
Taking the Final Step Toward Your Career
Once you’ve completed your education and training, the next step is to apply for positions in aged care. Craft a resume that highlights your qualifications, skills, and experience. Be proactive in seeking opportunities at aged care facilities, hospitals, and home care services. Upskilled’s career advisors can help you prepare for job interviews, refine your resume, and connect with industry professionals.
Starting a career in aged care is a fulfilling path with endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your skills, Upskilled is here to help you every step of the way. Enrol today and take the first step toward making a meaningful difference in the lives of older Australians.
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