Health & Community Services

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Health and community services is Australia’s second largest employing industry – and growing. It delivers a range of medical, residential and social assistance services to support us all, and it is also responsible for the well-being of our communities. New models of care and technological advances are changing the way we work, and Australian businesses are seeking to employ skilled professionals to keep pace. This is a rich and rewarding industry to be involved in, and you’ll be amazed at the career choices available to you.

Contribution to the Australian economy

Health & Community Services

Industry Value

$79.5 billion

Gross value added

People Employed

1,106,000

People employed in the sector

Business Trading

123,401

Businesses trading in the sector

* Statistics sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics and Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. For more information, please refer to the Statistics Explained page.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SUCCEED. Real Skills for Real Careers



Sectors & Occupations

The health and community services industry is responsible for the wellness and well-being of all Australians. This is a significant task, and it involves a diverse range of occupations in areas such as child care, aged care, primary care, mental health and disability. Many of the people who provide these services gained their practical skills through ‘real life’ vocational education and training (VET) courses.

Check out a sample of the most popular occupations in each sector. Click on them for more information.


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Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Australian Apprenticeships (apprenticeships and traineeships) are an important part of VET. Gaining a VET qualification through an Australian Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to train, study and earn an income at a variety of qualification levels in most occupations. Australian Apprenticeships combine time at work with training, and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.

Search Apprenticeship & Traineeship Courses in this Industry

Career Stories

VET delivers outstanding employment results for its graduates – watch the following stories and see for yourself. You will be amazed at the career pathways that a VET qualification can unlock for you in the health and community services industry.


Brendan’s Story - Video Thumbnail

Brendan’s Story

“The VET training sector is always a great stepping stone into further training.”

VET Qualification: Certificate IV in Youth Work

Career: Youth Worker

Brendan was working in youth services and wanted to further his knowledge of the sector, so he undertook a VET qualification in youth work at age 46. The qualification provided him with a professional grounding in youth work, and he hopes to continue his learning journey by completing a Bachelor of Social Work in the future.

Caitlin's Story - Video Thumbnail

Caitlin's Story

“My Australian School-based Apprenticeship prepared me to become a nurse. I learned exactly what is required in a health-related job which grew my passion for caring for the elderly.”

VET Qualification: Certificate III in Aged Care

Career: Aged Care Worker

Caitlin Maher quickly realised the health industry was for her after starting a two-year vocational education and training course in allied health during Year 10. She later asked her careers advisor at her school how to develop her knowledge and skills, which resulted in an Australian School-based Apprenticeship with Blue Cross Willowmeade aged care residence while she completed her Year 12 Certificate.

Chris’ Story - Video Thumbnail

Chris’ Story

“I’m valued again, which I was back in the Australian Paper days – valued as a community member, and they can see that I’m helping people which is a real value to me.”

VET Qualification: Certificate IV in Mental Health

Career: Mental Health Worker

After working in the paper industry for 32 years, Chris was made redundant. He decided to undertake a VET qualification in community services, and he secured part-time work while he was studying. He now works for Richmond Fellowship Tasmania, a provider of outreach services for people with mental health challenges. Encouraged by his new employer, Chris completed a VET qualification in mental health, and he is about to start a VET qualification in frontline management.

Skills for your Career

My Skills can help you find the right course to ignite your career in the health and community services industry. You can search for VET courses and compare information such as fees, durations, graduate satisfaction, job prospects and available subsidies.

There are a number of different ways to search for VET courses on My Skills.


Course Search

Search for keywords in course titles, such as ‘nursing’ or ‘child care’:

Local Providers

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Careers in Demand

A number of skilled occupations are currently in shortage in the health and community services industry. These jobs are in demand across Australia, so there’s a good chance of ongoing employment when you complete your training. If you want to set yourself up for a rewarding career, check out the following jobs and the VET courses that may give you the practical skills you need to gain employment in them.

Data is sourced from the Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business.



Growth Areas

Hospitals, residential care services and social assistance services are the largest employing sectors in the industry. If you’re interested in a career in health and community services, the following VET courses are worth considering, because they will prepare you for work in areas where employment is expected to grow over the next three years.

Data has been sourced from the Australian Government Department of Employment



Resources

With so much information about careers, it’s hard to know where to start or where to look.
Here are a few sites you may find useful once you’ve found the right VET course and training provider on My Skills.
For additional industry information links, please visit the Australian Government Department of Education and Training website.


ACSQHC

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care leads and coordinates national improvements in health care safety and quality.

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Australian Community Workers Association

The national body for community work practitioners in Australia, providing support in every sphere of their work. 

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Australian Government Department of Health

Operates to their vision of strengthening evidence-based policy advice, improving program management, research, regulation and partnerships with other government agencies, consumers and stakeholders.

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Australian Government Department of Human Services

Is responsible for the development of service delivery policy and provide access to social, health and other payments and services.

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SkillsIQ

An independent Skills Service Organisation supporting a range of Industry Reference Committees to undertake training product development that ensures skills meet future industry needs.

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The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC)

Provides leadership and guidance to the VET system, bringing a strong industry-based perspective which will enhance responsiveness, quality & relevance within the sector.

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