With employment opportunities in the aged care industry expected to grow strongly over the next five years, there is no better time for Inverell job seekers to consider a rewarding career that involves caring and providing quality of life for the ageing population.

According to Australian Government Jobs Outlook data, the number of aged and disabled carers in Australia is expected to increase by 39% by 2023, providing around 179,000 job openings over this time.

Inverell resident, Linda Brown, is taking full advantage of new opportunities in the aged care industry. After working in retail for many years and raising her seven children, she chose to make the switch to aged care by studying a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) at TAFE NSW Inverell and is now employed at McLean Care.

“I enjoyed caring for my mother-in-law when she had dementia and thought I could see a future for myself working in this rewarding industry. Not only was it the perfect time for me to study, but TAFE NSW Inverell was so flexible and conveniently located close to home,” Ms Brown said.

“I’ve been able to apply the hands-on skills I have learnt at TAFE NSW in my role at McLean Care Inverell, which involves developing resident care plans, day-to-day activities for residents to keep them active and engaged, work health and safety and much more.

“I enjoyed the course so much that I am now studying a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Armidale by accessing a mixture of online and face-to face study options.”

Care Service Manager at Mclean Care Inverell, Cathy Wyper, said Linda was a great asset to the organization.

“Linda is a kind, caring and hardworking care worker who particularly focuses on the needs of the high care residents in the 138 bed aged care facility.

“Linda’s skills have developed as a result of the knowledge that she has gained at TAFE NSW and she has a bright future ahead of her,” Ms Wyper said.

McCrindle research suggests that in the next 30 years there will be 1.2 million more people aged over 85 than there are today, and the average older Australian will live 5 years longer, which equates to adding 6 million more years of care just for the increased number of people over 85 and to manage their increased life expectancy.

To find out more about community services and nursing courses available at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515