The essence of community services lies in understanding and responding to the needs of individuals...
The health care sector is booming, and there has never been a better time to train for a career in care.
Unprecedented Growth in Health Jobs
The health sector is one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing industries. According to the HumanAbility Workforce Report, the employment in health-related jobs is projected to rise significantly by 2034. Registered nurses are expected to increase to 420,000 positions, a growth of 24%. Nursing support and personal care workers will see a 30.9% rise, reaching 140,000 positions. Psychologists are projected to grow by 31.4%, reaching 64,000 positions, while physiotherapists and occupational therapists will see increases of 33.6% and 32.8% respectively, reaching 60,000 and 38,000 positions.
This massive growth showcases the vital role health professionals play in society and underscores the increasing need for skilled professionals in various health disciplines. These projections make it clear that now is the ideal time to train for a career in the health sector.
Persistent Workforce Shortages: a critical challenge
Despite the growth in health jobs, Australia is facing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals. The HumanAbility Workforce Report highlights a looming shortage of over 70,000 full-time nurses by 2035. This shortage is most acute in rural and regional areas, which have half as many health professionals per person compared to urban centers.
These persistent workforce shortages present a significant challenge that needs to be addressed urgently. The demand for healthcare professionals in these areas is high, and there is a pressing need for trained individuals to fill these gaps and ensure that all Australians have access to quality healthcare.
Skill Gaps That Need Filling
The healthcare sector is not only in need of more professionals but also individuals with specific skill sets. The HumanAbility Workforce Report identifies three main areas where skill gaps exist: foundational skills, specialised skills, and leadership skills.
Foundational skills include communication, cultural competency (especially important for First Nations and CALD communities), digital literacy, and compliance. Specialised skills are needed in areas such as mental health literacy, dementia and palliative care, trauma-informed practice, high-intensity supports (like PEG feeding and managing complex behaviours), and medication management. Leadership skills are crucial for team leadership, mentorship, and supervision, particularly in nursing and allied health.
Addressing these skill gaps is essential for improving the quality of care and ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of the population.
Why Students Should Care About Health Training
Enrolment in health qualifications is on the rise, with 117,255 students in 2023, up from 91,595 in 2019. However, completions remain too low to meet the growing demand, with only about 37,000 completions in 2023, according to the HumanAbility Workforce Report.
This discrepancy between enrolments and completions means that graduates entering the job market will find their skills in high demand. There are ample opportunities for career progression and development, making health training a promising path for students looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Future-Proof Career Opportunities in Health
The future of healthcare is rapidly evolving with the integration of digital health, AI, and telehealth. These advancements are changing the skill requirements for healthcare professionals, making it essential to stay updated with the latest technologies and practices.
Studying health qualifications now not only prepares students for current roles but also equips them with the skills needed for an evolving workforce. This ensures long term stability and advancement opportunities in a field that is crucial to the wellbeing of society.
By training for a career in care, students have the chance to be part of solving Australia’s biggest workforce challenge while building a secure, meaningful future for themselves.
