CHC33015-Certificate-III-in-Individual-Support-Disability

How to Start a Career in Aged Care

PUBLISHED18 October 2021
WRITTEN BY

Published: 18 October 2021 | Last updated: 11 May 2026

Australia’s population is rapidly ageing and the demand for adequate aged care has gone up in the last few years. The huge disparity between the demand and supply of Aged Care workers has led to a hiring issue across the country. The good news is you can train in aged care online!

17% Population of Australia is Already Over 65

Longevity and higher life expectancy among Australians have led to a growing demand for aged care. Various studies suggest that Australia will need a tripling of the aged care workforce by 2050.

People over 65 years of age now make up 17.7% of the total Australian population and it is expected to reach 20.7%–22% by 2066, with projections hitting 22% by 2057. This will mean that the number of people under 18 will be outnumbered by the people aged 60 years and above.

 

The Growing Need

Australia will witness an unprecedented growth in the number of people aged over 85 years in the next two decades. That demographic is projected to grow from around 534,000 in 2021 to about 1.28 million by 2041 (a 140% increase). So, more aged care workers will be required to cater to those aged over 85.

Improved Healthcare

Advancements in healthcare and technology have boosted life expectancy among Australians, which is now approximately 84 years. Advanced medical technologies are improving survival rates of critical illnesses. Longer lives mean that the public is going to need healthcare and aged care support for a longer period.

The Current Workforce is Ageing

The current aged-care workforce is also ageing, with a median age of 48, meaning many will retire within 15 years. If you think that you may enjoy caring for others and making a difference, a job in aged care services may be for you.

With so many job opportunities predicted in the future it is a great time to start your career in aged care. The best first step is to do a vocational education course in aged care.  You can start a certification in aged care online. For more information click here.

The Aged‑Care Workforce Gap

It’s estimated that Australia will need to almost triple the aged care workforce by 2050, growing from roughly 366,000 staff today to nearly 1 million. Moreover, projections indicate a shortfall of approximately 212,000 full-time care workers by 2050, with an interim gap of about 100,000 by 2027–28.

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