Increasing demand in the helping professions

Increasing demand in the helping professions Increasing demand in the helping professionsPosted May 15, 2013, by Jo MesserThe health care and social services industry is Australias largest employment sector, with mora than 1.3 million workers (12 per cent of national employment), and over the next five years its expected to provide more jobs than any other industry. Growth in this sector has resulted from increasing demand on both ends of the age spectrum. Increasing numbers of women participating in the workforce have created growing demand for child care and after-school care services, while the ageing of Australias population is leading to a greater need for aged and residential care services. As a result, both child care and aged care services are experiencing labour shortages. Health care and social assistance are generally described as helping professions, and those in the industry usually have an innate desire to help others and to give something back to their community. Whi le there has been growth across all health and community service industries, some areas have grown and continue to grow more rapidly than others. Areas with high growth includeChild care occupations (early childhood teachers, pre-primary teachers, childcare workers)Aged and residential carersCommunity and personal carersSocial and welfare professionals (social workers, psychologists)Nursing and midwifery professionals (registered and enrolled nurses)Allied health/diagnostic professionals (sonographers, optometrists, occupational therapists and occupational rehabilitation therapists)Education sector (including education aides and teaching professionals)Finding work in the helping professionsWhile high demand in the sector greatly improves your chances of finding a job, you wont get far without the right qualifications. There are many courses available that will give you the training to enter these professions, from certificate IIIs right through to postgraduate degrees. The early c hildhood sector is growing and demand for qualified early childhood teachers and educators has never been greater. To work as a child care assistant or educator, you need to complete a Certificate III in Childrens Services, which you can upgrade to a Diploma of Childrens Services while working in the field. To qualify as a pre-school teacher, youll need a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). There are many opportunities in the sector, with possible advancement to centre director, curriculum advisor, research and management positions. Working in the early childhood sector is a rewarding career path. Deb Roper, a kindergarten teacher at a local community kindergarten, enjoys seeing the children grow and become independent social citizens. Every day is different and I love the innocence and honesty of working with children, says Roper. At the other end of the spectrum, there are plentiful opportunities in aged care and personal care. By 2050 well need 830,000 aged care workers thats a whopping 272 per cent increase. To get started in this area youll need a Certificate III in Aged Care or a Certificate III in Home and Community Care. You can then choose to take your career further and expand on your skills by undertaking further studies at either certificate IV, diploma or bachelor degree level. So if youre looking for a meaningful career that gives you personal satisfaction and provides a range of career options, you cant go past the job opportunities in the helping professions To qualify for a career in health care, community services, aged care, childrens services or education, see our range of online courses.Diploma of Community ServicesStudy modeverbundenPayment optionsPayment planUpfront paymentCourse guide+ FREE eBrochureEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCommunity Services ResourcesSenior social worker sample resumeSenior social worker sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesRenee Cooke - Trainer at Cire Community SchoolMatthew Salier - National Chri stmas Manager for The Smith FamilySarah Key - Physiotherapist to the QueenAziza Sahib - Registered NurseNicholas Steepe - Equity & Diversity Project ManagerInterested in becoming a?Team LeaderProject ManagerEarly Childhood TeacherCommunity WorkerCounsellorPopular Career Searchesdoes centrelink help with course feesgovernment funded community service courses onlinecareer opportunities after a masters in public healthgov funded nursing coursesgovernment funded social work courses melbourneCommunity Services CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of CounsellingEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMaster of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Community HealthEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJo MesserRelated ArticlesBrowse moreAged CareCareer changeCommunity Services - Careers That Make a DifferenceIf you enjoy helping people and want an interesting and varied career, then you should consider a rewarding career in community servic esCommunity ServicesHelping careersWhy a career in community services is a good fit for working mumsReturning to work after maternity (or paternity) leave is often the best time to consider a career change. If youre after a pathway that offers flexibility, support and a way to give back to the community look no further.CAREER INSPIRATIONInternational Volunteer Day - 5 DecemberInternational Volunteer Day celebrates one of the most honourable jobs in the world being a volunteer.