Pathways into the care and support sector

I am studying at university or TAFE

Whether you are looking for a job while studying or want to get your career underway, the care and support sector has many exciting and rewarding opportunities for students. If you are studying a course that puts you on a path into the sector, you can gain relevant work experience that will give you an edge in your future career. Or, if you are studying something completely different, the care and support sector may provide flexible work hours that fit in with your timetable.

The sector has plenty of part-time or casual work that you can fit around your study and life commitments. Learn more about the types of jobs in the sector on the Now hiring page.

Quick tips for tertiary students

The care and support sector welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and education. If you are completing or have completed a different degree or course, you might find it’s applicable to the care and support sector. For example, communication and interpersonal skills, a background in music, knowledge about mental health and wellbeing, or practical skills in first aid can all be relevant to care and support work.

If you are studying a related course such as a Certificate III in Individual Support at a TAFE, or an allied health course such as a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance or Bachelor of Physiotherapy, or you are studying a Bachelor of Nursing, you are on the right track! Most of these courses will involve practical training and job placements in addition to teaching you theory and best practice.

If you aren’t studying a related course but want to switch, it’s a good idea to think carefully about what kind of role you might like. Are you interested in caring directly for people in their daily lives? Or would you like to specialise in something like physiotherapy or counselling? Not all jobs require formal qualifications but studying a related course may give you an advantage. Read more about qualifications you might need on the Skills and Training page.

If you are looking to get back into work, there are programs available that can help you get job-ready. You might start with Fee-Free TAFE (for people wanting to gain a vocational qualification) or Transition to Work (for people aged 15-24 who need to improve their job readiness). There is also the Skills for Education and Employment program for eligible job seekers wanting to improve their language, literacy, digital and/or numeracy skills.

I’m thinking about my options after high school

The care and support sector has many exciting and rewarding opportunities. It is a dynamic, fast-growing sector that offers a wide range of in-demand roles. You will gain practical, hands-on experience that will allow you to develop communication, technical or specialised skills.

There is plenty of part-time or casual work to fit around your study and life commitments, or supplement your career ambitions. Go to the What the Work is Like page to find out more about work in the sector.

Quick tips for high school students

• Talk to your career advisor about courses at your school that relate to care and support, or about finding work experience in the sector, to see if it’s right for you.
• Think about what kind of role you might want to pursue. Are you interested in supporting people in their daily lives? Or would you like to specialise in something like physiotherapy or counselling? This will affect what kind of courses or training you may need after high school. Go to the Types of Jobs page to find out more.
• Look into an apprenticeship or traineeship. These programs offer on-the-job training and you can earn while you learn. You can even do an Australian School-based Apprenticeship, where you can earn a wage, gain skills and work towards a qualification while you finish your high school certificate.
• Consider enrolling in a TAFE course once you graduate, such as Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Disability or Certificate IV in Ageing Support. You will learn important technical and practical skills, and will give you on-the-job experience. Find out more on the skills and training page.
• Check whether you might be eligible for a program that can give you financial assistance to get you job-ready. You might consider Fee-Free TAFE (for people wanting to gain a vocational qualification) or Transition to Work; (for people aged 15-24 who need to improve their job readiness).

I am looking for a part-time or casual job

The care and support sector offers a great amount of flexibility. Many roles will be available part-time, casually or involve shift work that you can arrange around your family, study or other commitments.

Go to the Types of Jobs page and the What the Work is Like page, to learn more.

The care and support sector also offers competitive pay and conditions compared to similar casual and part-time roles.

Quick tips for people looking for part-time work

Before you start looking for a job:

• Think about what hours you can or want to work. Is there any flexibility in the days, times or number of hours you can do? It is good to know before applying so an employer can see if they can accommodate you.
• Consider what skills and knowledge you already have and how this might apply to work in the sector. For example, if you have looked after children or balanced a busy study schedule, you will have gained many skills, such as time management, problem solving and creativity and providing emotional support. You can use this in your job application as it will be beneficial to your potential employer to have these life skills.
• Consider whether you need to do any training or obtain any qualifications to get the job you want. Many roles don’t require formal qualifications, but you might need to have completed worker checks or other qualifications. Visit the What do you need to start working? page, to learn more.

Looking for a job

You can go to the Now hiring page to find out what jobs are currently available.

Make sure you read the description of the job carefully. Most listings will mention whether it is a part-time or casual role, or if flexible working arrangements are available. If they don’t, you can contact the person listed in the job description.

I want to use my skills from a completely different sector

The care and support sector welcomes people with diverse backgrounds, education and work history.

In fact, having experience in different sectors can be an advantage. It can give you a range of skills that you can apply to care and support work. These may include time management, patience, good record keeping, knowledge about mental health, or practical skills in first aid, cooking, and house and garden maintenance.

Your personal experiences and background can help you connect with the people you will be supporting and caring for and achieve better outcomes for them. For example, if you have experience with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you may have a greater understanding of the needs of veterans. Or you may have worked in an industry that involves a skill that a person you are caring for is interested in or wants to learn, such as cooking, budgeting or writing.

To learn about how your skills can translate into the care and support sector, visit the Types of Jobs page.

Quick tips for moving between sectors

• Consider what skills and knowledge you can bring to the care and support sector. This can also include personal qualities you’ve developed such as compassion, patience, optimism and resilience. These will be important things to include in your job application.
• If you are considering getting a support-related qualification or degree, you may be able to have your prior experience, study or skills recognised. The TAFE or university offering the course you’re interested in can tell you what options you have. Read more on the skills and training page.
• You may consider working part-time in the care and support sector while you continue your other work, to build your skills and see if the work is right for you. The care and support sector can provide flexibility, and many roles offer part-time or shift work that you can arrange around your other commitments.
• There are programs that offer financial assistance and job transition support. For example, you might explore the Skills Checkpoint, a program providing assistance to people aged 45-70 to find a pathway to a new or changed career.

I am new to the workforce

The care and support sector has many exciting and rewarding opportunities for those looking to enter the workforce for the first time. Whether you’re new to Australia, or haven’t been able to enter the workforce, the care and support sector welcomes the diversity of skills you can bring to a variety of roles.

Quick tips for people entering the workforce for the first time

• Your varied experiences may have helped you develop skills, knowledge and personal traits that are valued in the care and support sector. Consider mentioning these in your application. For example, you may know another language or have lived-experience receiving supports in the care and support sector. You can also include personal qualities you’ve developed through different experiences, such as compassion, patience, optimism and resilience – employers are looking for these traits in new employees.
• The care and support sector offers a great amount of flexibility. Many roles will be available part-time or involve shift work, allowing you a smooth entry into the workforce for the first time. Learn more about the Types of Jobs and What the Work is Like
• Consider whether you need to do any training or obtain any qualifications. Many roles don’t require formal qualifications, but you will need to complete worker screening and similar checks for most roles. Many roles in the care and support sector are open to Australian citizens as well as those who have recently arrived. Read more about what you need to start working in the sector.
• You may be able to access support such as financial assistance or help to get job-ready. This includes the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program for eligible job seekers wanting to improve their language, literacy and/or numeracy skills. If you live with a disability and are looking to enter the sector, JobAccess can provide financial and other reasonable supports to ensure you feel comfortable at work.

I work in care and support and want to progress my career

The care and support sector provides many opportunities to build and progress your career. Whether you want to upskill, stand out in the sector or take on a more senior role, the care and support sector can support your career ambitions.

Quick tips for people looking to progress their careers

• There are many diverse roles and different paths within the care and support sector. From administrative, to personal support, to senior management, learn more about the different types of jobs in the sector and where they can take you.
• There are programs available that can help you build on the skills you already have, such as Fee-Free TAFE (for people wanting to gain a vocational qualification in the care and support sector). There is also the Skills for Education and Employment program for eligible job seekers wanting to improve their language, literacy, digital and/or numeracy skills.
• Have a look at TAFE or university websites and search by your topic of interest e.g., mental health, physiotherapy. Many will offer short-term courses, and have the option to learn online, face-to-face, or both. If you haven’t already, consider enrolling in a TAFE course such as Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Disability or Certificate IV in Ageing Support. You will learn important technical and practical skills, to give you more experience. Find out more about skills and training.
• Talk to your manager or supervisor if you are thinking about studying long-term while working. They may be able to offer arrangements so you can make time for your studying. If you are considering getting care or support-related qualifications, you may be able to have your prior work experience, study or skills recognised. The TAFE or university offering the course you’re interested in can tell you what options you have. Read more about skills and training.
• There is a 10-minute online module that explores the role of nurses, personal care workers and allied health professionals working in aged care. This Equip Aged Care Learning Package will give you a good understanding of what these roles involve in aged care settings.

I am interested in allied health or nursing

The care and support sector is one of the faster growing employers of nurses and allied health in Australia. Care and support work can be highly rewarding for health care professionals who want to develop ongoing relationships with patients and develop their careers. Nurses in aged care, for example, can choose to specialise in particular areas of care (such as dementia or palliative care) or pursue leadership and management opportunities. 

You will need an additional qualification to work in nursing or allied health. Registered nurses must have a Bachelor of Nursing, and enrolled nurses must have a Diploma of Nursing from a TAFE or registered training organisation. Qualifications for allied health professionals vary depending on the discipline. Additional professional registration is necessary from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency or the relevant professional association.

Quick tips for people interested in allied health or nursing

• There is a 10-minute online module that explores the role of nurses, personal care workers and allied health professionals working in aged care. This Equip Aged Care Learning Package will give you a good understanding of what these roles involve in aged care settings. 
• Aged Care Transition to Practice Programs are available for nurses looking to begin their careers in the care and support sector. These programs will support nurses in their first year of clinical practice with valuable training and mentorship.
• Scholarships are available through the Australian College of Nursing to support allied health professionals, nurses and personal care workers to obtain qualifications relating to aged care. 

I am returning to work after an absence

The care and support sector has many exciting and rewarding opportunities for people returning to work after an absence.

There are many reasons why you might have taken a period away from work. Whatever the cause, the care and support sector can offer a range of different work types to suit your new circumstances. It may be that some of your experiences out of the workforce, including caring for loved ones, are valuable in the care and support sector.

Work in the care and support sector can provide flexibility, with the opportunity to work part-time or in shifts around other commitments you may have.

Quick tips for people returning to work after an absence

• Your time away from work may have helped you develop the kind of skills that are valued in the care and support sector. Consider mentioning these in your application. If it is appropriate for your circumstances, you could describe the skills, knowledge and personal traits you developed during that time. For example, as a parent, you would have gained many skills such as time management, problem solving, creativity and providing emotional support. You can also include personal qualities you’ve developed, such as compassion, patience, optimism and resilience – employers are looking for these traits in new employees.
• If you are new to the care and support sector, consider whether you need to do any training or obtain any qualifications. Many roles don’t require formal qualifications, and you will need to complete worker screening and similar checks for most roles.
• If you are returning to the sector, you may need to refresh your worker screening and Working with Vulnerable People checks.
• Read more on the What do you need to start working page.

I am currently an unpaid carer

An unpaid carer is someone who provides care and support for a partner, family member, friend or neighbour without pay. They will typically perform many of the same tasks that a paid carer does, including helping the person with daily tasks, household chores and outings.

If you are an unpaid carer for someone, you will already have developed many of the skills required to become a professional care or support worker.

Quick tips for unpaid carers who want to enter the care and support sector

• Employers will be looking for your personal qualities as well as your skills and experience. As an unpaid carer, you will have many skills – make sure you describe all the practical and emotional support you have provided. You would have also developed many personal attributes such as patience, compassion and resilience.
• You may want to formalise your skills with a course or degree through a university or TAFE, such as Certificate III in Individual Support. This is not always necessary to get a job in the care and support sector, but it can give you an advantage. If you decided you want to move into a more specialised role, such as in allied health or nursing, you will need to complete certain qualifications. Read more about What do you need to start working.
• You may be able to access support such as financial assistance or help to get job-ready. These programs include: Fee-Free TAFE (for people wanting to gain a vocational qualification in the care and support sector), Transition to Work (for people aged 15-24 who need to improve their job readiness), Skills for Education and Employment program (for eligible job seekers wanting to improve their language, literacy and/or numeracy skills) and Skills Checkpoint (for people aged 45-70 looking to find a pathway into a new or changed career).
• Check out Types of Jobs.