According to 2016 census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, community and personal service workers accounted for the fastest-growing careers in Australia, seeing the largest job growth of 19% compared to the previous census in 2011.
In WA, community and personal service workers also accounted for the highest increase in jobs according to the census data, with almost 20,000 new jobs being created over the 5-year period from 2011 to 2016.
These figures largely reflect a rising trend in today’s society where more and more people are struggling with stress and mental health issues as well as with day-to-day living support. They also reflect an ever-growing need for skilled professionals that can offer support to these people.
Mental health courses
If you’re looking to work in the most in-demand career in WA, finding the right mental health course is a great starting point. Working with people with mental health issues requires more than just listening skills or a shoulder of support – it requires a specific professional skillset that only a quality mental health course can provide.
TrainSmart Australia – a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and VET Student Loan-approved training provider – offers quality-assured, nationally-recognised courses in CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health and CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health.
These courses are ideal for gaining the confidence, in-depth knowledge and specialist skills you need to work in a variety of mental health support roles, including:
- Mental health support worker
- Community service worker
- Welfare support worker
- Mental health outreach worker
Some of the valuable knowledge and skills you’ll acquire through these courses include:
- How to assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
- Working with diverse people
- Facilitating the counselling relationship and process
- Supporting counselling clients in decision-making processes
- Providing grief and loss support
- How to work collaboratively with care networks and other services
Aged care courses
It’s not just those dealing with mental health issues that have led to community and personal service jobs being the most in-demand careers in WA. As our population ages, with 15% of Australians aged 65 and over in 2016 and half of those having some degree of disability, there’s also a growing need for professionals that can provide aged care services.
As with a career in mental health, finding a quality aged care course is the first step in pursuing a career in this highly sought-after field.
TrainSmart Australia also offer a dedicated CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support as well as CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support Ageing.
These courses will give you the specialist knowledge and skills you need to work in a variety of aged care roles, including:
- Personal care worker
- Respite workers
- Community care worker
The specialist knowledge and skills you’ll acquire during the course include:
- How to facilitate the empowerment of older people
- Coordinating services for older people
- Implementing interventions with older people at risk
- Providing support to people living with dementia
- How to support relationships with carers and families
- How to support independence and wellbeing
With these qualifications, you’ll be well on your way to pursuing a successful career in WA’s most sought-after area.
