Aged Care and Early Childhood Education & Care (ECEC)
Aged Care and Early Childhood Education & Care are both high demand careers within the Australian workforce. Generations of social and medical improvements mean we are now faced with a booming aged population. People are living longer, which has created an increased demand for Aged Care workers, professionals whose aim is to improve the lifestyle not only of aged persons, but also of their families, through the provision of ongoing support and assistance. Aged Care workers preserve the independence of elderly people for as long as possible. They provide invaluable physical, social, and psychological support, which helps individuals to maintain their dignity.
At the other end of the spectrum, families are increasingly turning to Early Childhood Education and Care services, such as childcare centres, for the care of their children. On one hand, this is due to the growing awareness among parents of the crucial developmental importance of a child’s early years; on the other hand, families have been encouraged by Australian Government initiatives to place their children into ECEC settings in order to allow them to return to the workforce.
Career Opportunities
Over the next three years, the number of career opportunities for Aged Care and ECEC is expected to grow exponentially, with job numbers forecast to increase by 50,000 (ABS Labour Force Survey, 2012). Those possessing a positive outlook on life and a naturally caring personality should strongly consider a career within Aged Care and/or ECEC. Not only are they both fulfilling and exciting career paths which offer flexible and varied working patterns and opportunities, they are also profoundly important, with each day at work offering you the chance to make a positive difference in a person’s life. Many different pathways exist within the Aged Care sector to enable you to put your valuable skills to use, such as an Aged or Disabled Person’s Carer, an Accommodation Support Worker, and a Nursing Assistant, Care Assistant, Home Care Assistant, or Personal Care Worker. These roles may be pursued in community and residential care settings or in an independent living setting.
For ECEC, an equal number of opportunities are available in the Health Care and Social Assistance division, as well as in the Education and Training sector. Examples of career paths include employment as a Child Care Assistant, a Child Care Worker, a Child Care Manager, a Play Ground Supervisor, and a Nanny.
Why Study the Courses Through Queensland International Institute (Qii)?
In order to pursue a career in either of these Community Services sectors, the most common level of educational attainment is Certificate III. Qii’s Certificate III in Aged Care allows our students to develop the knowledge and skills required to work within the Aged Care sector. Individuals within this industry assist with the personal care of vulnerable aged persons, under direct or regular supervision within clearly defined organisation guidelines and service plans.
After completing the Certificate III in Aged Care, students may choose to further enhance their studies with a Certificate IV in Aged Care, which focuses in greater depth on the preparation of our students to undertake supervisory or team leader roles within the Aged Care workplace.
Similarly tailored to the requirements of its industry, Qii’s Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care prepares our students to develop the knowledge and skills to work effectively and with confidence within an early childhood education setting. It is expected that individuals working in this industry use organisational policies and procedures, and individual children's profiles, to plan the activities children will take part in, and to provide them with the care they deserve. Depending on the setting, these educators may work under direct supervision or autonomously.
Qii also plays a significant role in the first stage of our students’ entry into the workforce. As well as a sound theoretical and practical basis of learning during your Community Services course, we also work hard and make use of our extensive industry contacts to assist you in finding a work placement to begin your career and allow you to practise the skills you have learned. Qii’s Community Services courses are a great opportunity for students to build a strong and stable career path towards a rewarding future.