Category: Career Growth

All you need to know about a Disability Support Worker

Disability Support Worker can be an extremely rewarding career as you’re assisting others to experience a more enabling life every day. What does the day-to-day look like for a Disability Support Worker, what is their average salary expectation and what are the requirements to becoming one? In this article, we are going to provide some insights into the career of a Disability Support Worker.

Daily tasks of a Disability Support Worker

As a support worker, your main tasks will vary according to the personal needs of each client; nevertheless, the scope of work usually includes the following tasks:

1. Assisting with mobility and movement from and to places, gatherings or social events

Clients may need assistance with movement from and to places, for instance their home, gatherings or social events. Support workers can work with a range of mobility vehicles such as wheelchairs, hoists, or cars.

2. Assisting with communication

Difficulties or inabilities in communication may occur from clients’ mental or physical conditions. A Disability Support Worker’s responsibility is to comprehend the clients’ needs and requests, as well as to act as a bridge of communication.

3. Personal care tasks

Clients may need assistance in performing everyday tasks such as eating, bathing or getting dressed. A support worker should acquire their daily routines and how to assist with such tasks efficiently.

4. Peripheral tasks

If you are a Disability Support Worker working in the domestic realm, your scope of work can also extend to light housework tasks such as meal prepping or cleaning.

5. Providing companionship and emotional support

As someone working closely with clients on a daily basis, disability support workers can be a consistent source of emotional support for clients. Providing a sense of companionship beyond mere care service can establish meaningful relationships between the care giver and the care receiver.

Employer types

As a Disability Support Worker, you have the chance to explore flexible working arrangements, which can include:

Working for a disability service provider organisation.
Direct employment by a client with disability under a NDIS plan.
Work under temporary short-term contracts.
Work as a sole trader and establish your own business.

Salary expectations

The average salary for a Disability Support Worker in Australia is $67,421 per year or $34.58 per hour. Entry-level workers can expect $62,215 per year, and as their level of skills and experience move up the ladder, they can expect up to $99,091 per year.

Skill requirements

Alongside an interest in helping people to reach their potential and live the life they want, there are a range of desirable skills and attributes for a Disability Support Worker:

Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Planning and organising skills
Literacy, basic numeracy and computer skills
Reliability and trustworthy, with flexibility to handle novel situations

Furthermore, while there are entry-level positions that don’t require qualifications, it is recommended that prospective disability workers undergo training to equip themselves with the appropriate knowledge and skills before stepping into the workforce. A qualification that will facilitate your pathway as well as bring the essential skills into practice is the Certificate IV in Disability.

Being a Disability Support Worker requires timely and effective responses to individual needs, which is why The Certificate IV in Disability covers the fundamental practical knowledge that enables students to provide the most appropriate responses, such as recognising healthy body systems, providing person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs or recognising and responding to crisis situations. To enhance and implement acquired knowledge, students also undergo 120 hours of work placement that thoroughly prepares them to step into the future role of Disability Support Worker.

If you have an interest in supporting the lives of others and is ready to start making a difference today, enrol in the The Certificate IV in Disability or contact us at enquiries@gbca.edu.au for any further enquiries.

How to Become a Personal Care Assistant

As the demand for aged care is forecasted to significantly increase within the next 40 years, it is also anticipated that there will be a rising need for personal care assistants. What are the responsibilities and work expectations of a personal care assistant, and how do you become one? Let’s explore through this blog.

Main responsibilities of a personal care assistant

A personal care assistant performs the following tasks:

Assists with their client’s day-to-day personal care tasks such as showering, grooming, dressing, feeding, movement, communication.
Takes part in care planning tailored to each patient’s needs.
Carries out therapy plans for patients with mental or behavioural conditions.
Monitors and makes a record of patient’s conditions.
Assists with patient’s medical needs which might include doing rehabilitation exercises and taking medications.

Salary expectations

According to the latest pay guide updates from the The Fair Work Ombudsman, the full-time hourly pay rate for an entry-level personal care assistant is $27.57, which equates to $1,047.60 per week. Senior personal care assistants can earn up to $33.40 per hour, which is $1,269.10 per week. Weekend rates range from $41.36 – $58.45 and public holiday rates range from $68.93 – $83.50 depending on your level of seniority.

How to become a personal care assistant

Becoming a personal care assistant is an enduring yet extremely rewarding learning process, where you are attaining skills to help improve the quality of others’ lives. To embark on your journey to becoming a personal care assistant, take your first step to attain the essential qualifications and enrol in the Certificate III in Individual Support today.

The Certificate III in Individual Support course structure provides students with both the understanding of theoretical aspects and the procedure practices involved in person-centred support, which are the foundations for achieving proficiency in caregiving.

With units covering a wide range of different topics regarding personal care assistance such as providing support for people with dementia, complying with infection prevention, or implementing person-centred behaviour support, students are equipped with the understanding of fundamental aged care practices and the knowledge to tackle multiple challenging real-life situations when working with patients.

A personal care assistant’s work proficiency also depends largely on work experience, which is directly proportional to accumulated problem-solving knowledge and judgment abilities in unanticipated events. Participating in the Certificate III in Individual Support, students will undergo 120 hours of placement as part of assessment requirements. Through this chance of directly working with clients, students will gain hands-on experience and practice of daily care tasks that will help them be job-ready for their future career as a personal care assistant.

Ready to enrol and start your journey to becoming a personal care assistant? Get in touch with us now via enquiries@gbca.edu.au.

Websites for volunteer and internship

Must-Known Websites to Find Volunteer and Internship Opportunities for Your Graduate Employment Application in Australia

Employers in Australia place a high priority on relevant work experience when hiring candidates, and as a young graduate, acquiring work experience can be challenging. Fortunately, two of the most effective ways to gain experience are through internships and volunteer work. In this article, we’ll outline some of the best websites for finding these opportunities in Australia.

Finding Volunteer Work

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 31% of the Australian population over the age of 15 has been or is currently involved in volunteer work. Participating in volunteer work can offer numerous benefits for students, especially for those studying abroad. It can help you exercise your English-speaking, writing, and communication skills, widen your network, gain experience and multiple capabilities in unknown work fields, and make your resume more impressive, as volunteer experience is highly valued in Australia.

Before looking for volunteer jobs, it’s recommended that you check the official website of Volunteering Victoria, where you can learn about various information and support linked to volunteer services and prepare for the task at hand. Here are some of the most popular websites for finding volunteer opportunities in Australia:

Seek Volunteer (https://www.volunteer.com.au/): Seek, one of Australia’s major job search websites, also posts volunteer opportunities. After joining the website, you can choose whether you want to work online or offline, as well as the region and job type you wish to work in.
GoVolunteer (https://govolunteer.com.au/): GoVolunteer is a start-up website for volunteer services in Australia. The types of volunteer services on the website are divided into detailed categories, such as large-scale event volunteers, student volunteers, environmental protection volunteers, emergency volunteers, etc., allowing you to quickly find suitable positions according to your needs.
Be Collective (https://www.becollective.com/): Be Collective is a website dedicated to finding volunteers for non-profit organizations (NGOs). It allows you to volunteer with internationally known organizations, and you can potentially work in NGOs for an extended period in the future.
Vollie (https://www.vollie.com.au/): Vollie is a website that offers online volunteer opportunities. You can gain volunteer job experience without leaving your house or at different hours and locations by simply clicking “Volunteer Now” after you arrive at the homepage.

Finding Internships

Internship experience for graduates seeking employment in Australia is significant. However, it can be challenging to find internships on commonly used websites in Australia. Although many websites post numerous positions, most employers require applicants to have extensive work experience. Here are some internship-focused websites for recent grads to help you rapidly locate internships rather than searching for a needle in a haystack:

GradConnection (https://au.gradconnection.com/): This website collects internships and graduate jobs, including Graduate Program positions at large corporations such as the “Big Four,” which can be quite useful.
Grad Australia (https://gradaustralia.com.au/): Grad Australia features a vast range of internship and graduate career opportunities. The website’s categorization is clear and simple to navigate, and there is an overview of government workshops on job hunting and graduate assessments of prominent employers. It is a resource-rich and easy platform for grads seeking employment.
Hatch (https://www.hatch.team/): Hatch is a website for recruiting students and recent grads. You can search for positions that match your qualifications based on categories such as internship, junior, long-term, short-term, etc. After registering, you will take a 30-minute to one-hour online exam, based on the results of which you be matched with relevant jobs and notified when suitable positions become available in the future. Every internship is paid.
Stint (https://www.stintcommunity.com/job-board): Stint, which was founded by the University of Melbourne students, focuses on providing international students with jobs and internships. It is presently the largest job-searching website for overseas students in Australia. Due to its focus on international students, the primary feature of Stint is that it lists the PR criteria for various jobs; nonetheless, the majority of positions listed on its website do not require PR. It is ideal for students with no PR who have recently graduated.

GBCA career centre is here to help

Keep in touch with our Career Centre, which offers regular career seminars, trainings, career assistance, 1:1 consultant and internship opportunities for GBCA students, which is an excellent opportunity for your career development. We hope all students can find volunteer and/or internships that they enjoy and build sound resumes.

Next time, we will share some tips for applying for internships and volunteer opportunities, as well as how to make the most of internship and volunteer experiences to land your first real job.

Six tips on how to effectively study online

At GBCA, students have the option of undertaking a variety of courses online. Because you can study from any location and any time, the online learning option has increased your freedom to achieve more. It can take some time to acclimate for someone new to online learning. With no lectures or seminars to physically attend, your ability to mentally prioritise and take command of your studies is put to the test. GBCA gathers six tips for effective online learning to help you quickly adapt to this study mode:

1. Manage your time and study plan.

If you do not have strong time management skills, the freedom of attending online classes can be counterproductive. It is critical to understand what is expected of you at each semester stage, including any important dates and deadlines.

A little upfront admin labour will pay dividends when you’re deep in an assignment mindset. Examine the syllabus at the beginning of the semester and prepare a list of significant assignments. Put them on a calendar that you frequently check to know what work is coming up in the following weeks. Your calendar should include the following:

Your assessment deadlines with colour-coded for each subject.
Links to your online lectures and workshops.
Any critical dates from your academic calendar, such as online orientation, webinars, etc.

2. Prepare everything you need before the lecture or workshop.

Before you begin your subject, make sure you have everything ready and accessible. At the start of each semester, create a folder for each subject.

Create three subfolders within these folders:

Briefs for assessment.
Lecture slides for printout ahead to take notes.
Content – saved journal articles, textbook chapters, videos, quizzes, and other documents connected to that subject.

3. Set up a regular study area and remove possible distractions.

When creating a separate learning environment for studying, you’ll develop a routine by doing your tasks there regularly. When arranging your study place, be sure that you:

Have a fast internet connection
Have all of the necessary texts, resources, and software for the course.
Use headphones to hear lectures or debates (significant in shared spaces)
Consider turning off your phone and downloading a website blocker to avoid losing attention.

4. Take advantage of technology.

Make use of the technology available to enhance your online studying experience. Utilize tools such as note-taking apps, flashcard programs, and interactive learning platforms to keep your study sessions interesting and effective.

5. Actively participate and ask questions.

Active participation in the course can assist you in better understanding course materials and engaging with classmates. You’ll get much more out of your online experience by interacting and asking questions.

The following are the best places to ask questions:

Live workshops – this is a terrific way to ask ‘face-to-face’ like questions because they allow for more interactive activities and will enable you to ask any follow-up questions.
Subject forums – questions can be answered by other students, not just lecturers, which can enhance your learning experience greatly.
Student experience (such as phone or email) – the support team at your institute is available to assist you with a wide range of queries and issues, not just academic ones.

And, if you notice yourself slipping behind, speak up. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask enquiries or report problems with an assignment. Send an email to your lecturer and ask for assistance.

6. Leverage your network.

Online classes may give the impression that you are learning on your own. In fact, most online courses are designed with collaboration in mind, with professors and instructors actively encouraging students to work together to complete projects and discuss topics.

Introduce yourself to other students and participate in online discussion boards to build relationships. Your peers can be a great resource when preparing for tests or seeking feedback on papers. Don’t be hesitant to approach them about forming a virtual study group. They are likely to appreciate it just as much as you would.

Study online course with GBCA

Online studying is a great option for those who need flexibility in education. However, it’s important to establish a routine, stay organized, and make use of the tools and resources available to you. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful online study experience. If you are looking for flexible education and are ready for online study, starting your adventure with GBCA will enhance your career achievements. Furthermore, many GBCA courses are granted by the Victoria government skill first funding. If you are eligible, your tuition fee will be waived.

Please visit our website for online study options and course information.

What is disability support and how can you become a disability support worker? 

How an individual support course prepares you for an aged care job

What is disability support? 

Disability support is a role to care for people with disabilities in the community or a residential setting. 

A disability support worker may be ideal for you if you appreciate hands-on learning and have the motivation, willingness, and ambition to pursue a job that will allow you to make a positive impact in another person’s life.

What are the job titles in disability support? 

The disability support roles include:

Disability support worker, team leader or supervisor
Community outreach worker
Day support disability officer
Behavioural support office 
Social educator (disability)
Disability employment officer
Residential care officer

What are the everyday tasks of a disability support worker? 

A disability support worker assists people in leading independent, productive lives and achieving their everyday goals. Typical tasks may include:

Helping people with daily activities
Determining the requirements of clients and planning, designing, and implementing educational, training, and support programmes
Companionship and assistance with shopping
Creating and coordinating instructional activities
Providing workplace assistance
Communicating with family members, carers, and health care providers, and monitoring for physical and mental health changes

Why start a career in disability support? We summarise three reasons for you. 

1. Job security. 

Healthcare and social assistance are the industries that employ the most people in Australia right now. This fast-growing sector provides a plethora of job opportunities. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the number of disability/welfare support workers is predicted to expand rapidly over the next five years, potentially reaching 94,700 by 2026. The average salary for disability support workers nationally is $1265/week.

(Source: Jobs and Skills Australia)

2. Job flexibility.

A career in disability support provides you with a lot of job flexibility, including work hours and location. You have the option of working in various places, and you also have the option of working intimately with people in care facilities, rehabilitation centres, or individuals’ homes. Support worker jobs are also available full-time, part-time and casual if you want flexibility in your working hours.

3. Rewarding career.

Working directly with persons who require assistance in their daily lives is extremely satisfying, and a career in disability support provides daily opportunities to assist others in living their lives to the fullest. Now you know the expectation of the disability support worker and you agree it’s a career for you. 

How to become a disability support worker in Australia? What skills do you need?

To start a meaningful career in the disability sector, you must first acquire the necessary theories, skills, and practices. Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability are two nationally recognised qualifications that are highly sought after by employers in the care industry. Certificate III in Individual Support will prepare you to provide individualised, person-centred support to people with disabilities.

Certificate IV in Disability is a higher level of competence in disability support. The course includes 14 units, some of which are covered in more depth than in Certificate III. You will also have the opportunity to apply your skills in a broader variety of situations. For example, one core unit in Certificate III teaches you to work legally and ethically, while a similar unit in Certificate IV teaches you to manage legal and ethical compliance, preparing you for a supervisory role. There are two units in common with the Certificate III in Individual Support and the Diploma of Community Services. If you have completed them before, you can have those two units waived when you enrol in Certificate IV in Disability and may obtain the qualification in a shorter timeframe. The other 12 units are highly relevant to disability support.

Both qualifications require students to complete at least 120 hours of work placement as part of the course requirements. You will work at a disability facility, an aged care facility, and/or a community care setting to practice what you learn in class.

GBCA offers both Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability under the Victorian government’s Skills First funding. If you are eligible, your tuition fee will be subsidised and you will only need to pay a $50 enrollment fee. At GBCA, we understand the industry and will assist you in finding a work placement. Our work placement coordinator, GBCA trainers, and the student will work together to secure a work placement. Once you are marked satisfactory in the required units, you can complete an online application form for a work placement. You can indicate your availability and preferred location. We will endeavour to place you in an aged care facility, a disability facility, and a community care setting of your choice.

Please explore our website to discover the curriculum and enrollment details for the Certificate IV in Disability program: https://gbca.edu.au/courses/certificate-iv-in-disability/

All you need to know to become a Childcare worker

If working with kids is something you would enjoy, being a childcare worker would be perfect for you. A child’s early years are crucial, childcare workers are of great importance as they will be responsible for supporting the child’s development of motor, sensory, and social skills. In the childcare industry, you have the unique opportunity to support and nurture children through the various stages of their development.

A career in the childcare industry is highly rewarding. Aside from its benefits to the child and society, a typical childcare worker in Australia earns an average annual salary of $55,000[1]. Besides the financial rewards, a career in the childcare industry is also attractive. It is fulfilling because of the strong bonds with each child, and the opportunity to watch them learn and grow. It is in high demand.

Recommended Read: How Much Do Childcare Educators Earn in Victoria

The job growth is projected to be 10.2% over the next five years,[1] or over 30,000 new jobs[2]. A career in the childcare industry can be easy to access as the entry-level qualifications are quick to complete, with flexible study options available for candidates. There are several pathways to grow while working in the industry.

Does it sound right fit to you? Then here are the important things to consider in becoming a childcare provider soon:

Get Qualified!

The more qualified you are, the more you can work in different settings. This will also allow you to progress even further in your career through to more senior roles. There are different childcare education certifications to choose from, such as:

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)
Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care (CHC40113)
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)

Work Placement of 120 Hours

All nationally recognised childcare qualifications in Australia require a prospective childcare professional to complete a work placement, which is at least 120 hours for Certificate III holders. It is compulsory and should be no extra charge to you.

At GBCA, we guarantee work placement for our students, offering a great opportunity for them to practice what they learn in the classroom, and to experience what your day is like as a childcare worker. A lot of our students get job offers during work placements.

First-Aid Certification

As per the requirements of the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA),[2] at least one staff member or supervisor is on-site at all times with a first-aid response. So, while not required, it is always a good idea to get a first-aid certificate. This may include CPR, anaphylaxis, and asthma awareness and response training. With a first-aid certification, employers are more likely to hire you since it will make staff scheduling a bit easier.

Police & The Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Last but not least, you will need to obtain two checks before you start your course, one is the Working with Children Check (WWCC), another one is a Police check.

Getting the qualifications required for childcare education is the first step to success. If you are searching for a starting point, look no further and enrol at Global Business College of Australia (GBCA)! GBCA offers Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).

Certificate III holders will receive credit exemption of up to 13 units – allowing you to fast-track the advancement of your career in this rewarding industry.

References:

[1] https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/childcare-worker

[2] https://www.training.com.au/ed/becoming-a-child-care-worker/

[3] https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/careers/why-how-to-become-a-childcare-worker

[4] https://www.gostudy.com.au/blog/a-career-in-childcare-in-australia/

[5] https://www.tafensw.edu.au/article/-/blogs/how-to-get-a-job-in-childcare

[6] https://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/how-to-become-an-accredited-child-care-worker-in-australia-careers-in-child-care

[7] https://www.ihna.edu.au/blog/2016/09/essential-training-childcare-workers-australia/

How much can I earn as a Childcare educator in Victoria

This article was updated in October 2023 to reflect the latest data.

Early childhood education is an industry offering great potential for career growth and financial reward. The wages and salaries of childcare workers in Australia are governed by the Children Services Award (2010) published by the Fair Work Commission, which outlines the minimum wages of early childcare professionals. However, as a high in-demand sector, the shortage of supply of the workforce eventually drives the increase in wages.

Salary expectations for early childhood educators

The starting salary for an Early childhood teacher is from $67,447 per year (or $1,292.58 per week), but will increase steadily as your job experience grows – up to about $75,0000 – $85,000 per year. The most senior early childhood educators in the State of Victoria are expected to earn more under a salary deal that was passed by the state government and the education union last 2021. The most experienced educators will see varying salary increases of up to 31% for kindergarten teachers, and 27% for educators. This will cover around 7,000 kindergarten workers and 46,500 public school teachers, regardless of the pay level.

It is expected that by the year 2024, full-time kindergarten teachers who have seven years’ worth of working experience will earn $116,906 every year, up from the current rate of $103,838. As a bonus, diploma-qualified childcare educators are entitled to receive a salary bonus of around $12,000.

This makes early childhood work more attractive for teachers and educators as it looks to almost double the workforce to 13,000 by 2029 in line with its $5 billion plan to extend 15 hours of free kinder to all three-year-old Victorian children.

Three factors that can increase your pay

1. Level of education/ Qualifications

To get a job as an early childhood educator in most states, it is essential to attain the appropriate qualifications and undergo adequate training. One of the most prominent fast tracks to your childhood educator career is the Certificate III in Early Childhood Care and Education, a course that offers the fundamentals of working with children. Wages start from $23.11 per hour for those who have yet to complete their Certificate, while those who have qualified could expect an hourly pay rate of $25.78+.

Employees who have completed a Diploma in Children Services, have a much wider knowledge than childcare workers with just a Certificate, and may expect a higher rate and opens up a pathway for you to progress into more senior roles, such as a management position in a childcare centre.

Childcare workers who have devoted several years studying a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), will be working in an Early Childhood Teacher role.

2. Depth of responsibilities and scope of work

If you work as a supervisor or room leader in a childcare centre, you are classed as level 4 under the Children Services Award and are entitled to $30.84+ on commencement of the job. When you complete a diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you may have been appointed the job of an assistant director or Day Care Coordinator and can expect a larger amount of compensation for the responsibilities. Childcare Centre Director or Centre Manager is ultimately responsible for the management of the Childcare Centre and its staff. Centre Director jobs can be advertised with salaries as high as $85,000+.

3. Work experience

A childcare employee can further increase their wage based on the number of years’ experience they have, providing childcare workers with a path of progression. Lastly, whether you work full-time, part-time or casual can also influence the rate at which you get paid.

While being a childcare educator is rewarding in the sense that you can have the unique opportunity to work with and help children’s learning and development. Now the Victorian government has made great strides in making early childhood work more lucrative for teachers and educators, it is expected that the workforce will almost double to 13,000 by the year 2029. Today is the perfect time for an aspiring childcare educator like you to kickstart your career in this ever-growing industry.

Sounds tempting, right? If you wish to enter the workforce as soon as you can, enrol at the Global Business College of Australia (GBCA).

Our Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) course provide you qualifications you need to enter the sector, and guaranteed work placement to practise what you learn. Interested to learn more, check here for more details.

References:

https://elaa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VECTEA-2020-Schedule-2-Salary-Rates-Final.pdf

https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/early-childhood-teacher/salary

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/best-paid-victorian-kinder-teachers-to-earn-more-than-school-teachers-20201126-p56i9e.html

https://www.kindercareers.com.au/childcare-wages/

What can you do with a Diploma of Community Services qualification?

What is the Diploma of Community Services?

The Diploma of Community Services is a 52 weeks course that trains community service and social housing workers to manage, co-ordinate and/or deliver person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities. Workers are usually providing direct support to individuals or groups of individuals.

Workers may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers and/or case management, program coordination or the development of new business opportunities.

The course requires students to undertake 100 work placements, this is to ensure students learn on the job and get the practical knowledge necessary to provide the service to individuals, groups, and communities.

Learn more about the Diploma of Community Services course here

When you complete the Diploma of Community Services, you will have a nationally recognised qualification that is highly regarded by the sector. The certificate will prepare you for work even in other states, providing you flexibility and work-life balance.

What does Community Services Worker do?

Community services workers are responsible for planning, developing and facilitating a range of services that might include, mental and health support, family support, assisting migrants or refugees resettle and integrate with society, and counselling services and programs for children.

What typical jobs can I do with a Certificate IV in Disability qualification?

Community Services Worker
Group Leader
Family Support Worker
Youth Worker

Community Services Worker

Community Support Workers provide care and support to clients so they can become more independent in their everyday lives. They help clients in various ways, such as assisting with personal care including grooming and feeding, household chores such as cooking and cleaning and arranging transportation and recreational activities.

Case or social workers

Caseworkers help people with a variety of social and personal problems. They may help clients deal with financial, family, or health-related issues; assist individuals who are disabled or elderly, or offer advice on ways to improve life situations.

Family Support Worker

Family support workers often work through government or social service agencies and deal with families who might be at risk, and they are responsible for promoting stability, well-being, and safety, especially for children.

Youth Worker

Youth Workers provide a range of specialist support services to young people facing welfare, behavioural, developmental, social and protection issues. they also provide ongoing opportunities for young people to develop skills, experience and self-esteem through training and education programs, youth groups, local community events and outings, as well as formal activities such as arts and crafts, cooking or sports sessions.

Kickstart Your in Community Services

Whether you’re wondering how to start a career in community services, you’ll no longer have to ask, “Where can I study a community services course in Melbourne?” At Global Business College of Australia, we have all the knowledge and experience you need.

Ready to get started?

Sign up for our newsletter to get more information about the Diploma of Community Services, or click apply to get started

Also check: How an Individual Support Course Prepares You for a Job in Aged Care?

Top Skills Required to be an Early Childhood Educator

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care Course in Melbourne - Study with GBCA Online or On Campus

With most Australian parents working, the need for early childhood educators is going to rise over the next few years. In fact, in Victoria alone, more than 6,000 new early childhood teachers are going to be needed state-wide by 2026. If you wish to help and give the next generation the best start in life, then you should be armed with the necessary skills to shape children’s education, social skills and emotional wellbeing.

Hard and soft skills are both of equal importance for an early childhood educator to become an effective professional in the field.

An educator who will focus only on possessing hard skills may be able to deliver quality education but would find it difficult to manage a class with varying levels of learning pace, properly plan and deliver lessons, keep students engaged in class and be collaborative, and may have a hard time in collaborating with their peers in the academia such as colleagues and school administrators. Inversely, a teacher who has strong soft skills, but limited hard skills, may not be as competent when it comes to teaching but will excel in other aspects like teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and other facets which are essential for the profession.

That being said, early childhood educators should receive a well-balanced professional development for them not only to gain hard skills but also to develop their soft skills to make them better professionals that can contribute positively to the field of education.

Recommended Read: How Much Do Childcare Educators Earn in Victoria

Essential Hard Skills for Early Childhood Educators:

Computer Skills – in today’s ever-progressing technology, computer skills are a must in any industry. These may include typing skills, emails, presentations, social media management, online research, etc.

Management Skills – this may seem like people skills, but it is half-hearted as management skills include project management, scheduling, logistics, planning, and negotiation.

Writing Skills – a solid command of the writing techniques will give you the needed boost in teaching. This skillset includes basic writing (grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary), note-taking, letter and email writing, academic writing, editing, data visualisation, etc.

Essential Soft Skills for Early Childhood Educators:

Understanding Diversity – children come from different home environments and backgrounds, which will lead to different learning needs and styles. Early childhood educators should be able to accept these differences to ensure all students can achieve the identified learning objectives despite their different learning styles.

Communication Skills – communicating with children requires a different tone to be able to articulate the things that you are saying and adjust it to the level of understanding of childing. The ability to quickly shift gears in terms of communication is also important as a teacher needs to talk to a lot of other people like parents, co-workers, and members of the administration.

Organisation – since young children thrive on well-founded structure and predictability, being well-organised can help you multitask, respond to the competing needs of students at the same time, and generally keep things running smoothly.

Creativity – teaching children requires teachers to be comfortable using arts and crafts, games, storytelling, and even exercise as part of the learning process. It is important to keep things fresh and try new activities to adapt to the students’ rather short attention span, keeping them engaged.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills – a teacher who handles multiple students at a time should have the ability to handle difficult situations and make decisive actions immediately. In relation to this, a teacher should also think objectively and analyse a situation clearly to come up with a decision that is suiting the circumstances at hand.

Flexibility and Patience – you may plan a perfect day of learning but remember that everything can be derailed by your students (regularly). It is important for teachers to have the ability to pivot when circumstances call for it, without the need to burst and show emotions unnecessarily.

All in all, a comprehensive professional development program is important for aspiring early childhood teachers as it allows them to build on their hard and soft skills, allowing them to learn new techniques and strategies to handle the intricacies of early childhood education. Through professional development, early education teachers can maximise their potential and hone their skills to move up in their chosen careers.

Do you wish to start your career in early childhood education but are unsure where to start in developing the skills needed?

The Global Business College of Australia (GBCA) offers two courses in early childhood education and care that focuses on nurturing your hard and soft skills for a career in early childhood education.

Learn more about our early childhood education courses below:

References:

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/profdev/careers/teacher-supply-and-demand-report-2020.pdf

https://www.vic.gov.au/make-difference-early-childhood-teaching

https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/migration-australia/latest-release

https://www.inspireeducation.net.au/blog/professional-development-hard-and-soft-skills-for-teachers/

https://www.careforkids.com.au/child-care-articles/article/341/how-soft-skills-are-taught-in-early-learning-services

https://www.bluefield.edu/blog/qualities-childhood-educators/

https://www.kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic/5-essential-skills-taught-in-early-childhood-education/

https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/skills-for-early-childhood-teachers/

https://online.csp.edu/resources/article/early-childhood-teachers/

https://zety.com/blog/hard-skills

Why Does The Australian Childcare Sector Demand Bilingual and Bicultural Workers?

why childcare industry need culturally diverse workers

According to ABS, 30% of all Australians were born overseas, and about 20% of the population speak a language other than English at home. Migration is a positive driver in the population growth of Australia, with Asian countries like China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka in the top 10 countries of origin. This opens a lot of new opportunities for bilingual and bicultural workers, especially in the Childcare education industry.

Why does the Australian Childcare sector demand skilled care workers with bilingual and bicultural capabilities?

Victoria is one of the most multicultural societies in the world. There are ongoing challenges experienced by people from refugee and migrant backgrounds when they settle in Victoria and try to navigate new and unfamiliar systems. The situation has gotten worse since the beginning of the pandemic. The lockdown has made early childhood education services inaccessible for a lot of families, especially those with culturally diverse backgrounds. Now we are moving into Covid normal, government continue funding the early childhood sector, the industry is expected to grow by 7% per annum, leading to an increase in demand for workers in the foreseeable future. The State of Victoria alone already has approximately 50,000 workers in childcare education, and it needs an additional 6,000 workers in the industry.

There are many benefits to employing bilingual and bicultural workers in early childhood education services.

From society and the government’s point of view, it supports multiculturalism. The Victorian Government’s Multicultural Policy Statement, Victorian, includes an action item of ‘[f]unding bilingual workers to support the participation of children from culturally diverse backgrounds in supported playgroups and kindergartens. This is part of a broader aim for early childhood services and schools to build acceptance and understanding of diversity.

From a community perspective, bilingual and bicultural care workers can engage in the form of trusting relationships with Victoria’s culturally diverse communities. The early childhood workforce is responsive to the needs of culturally diverse communities and can better engage with culturally diverse families and their children.

Children, can better understand cultural diversity and have a significant impact on shaping the learning and development of children in their early years. There are particular demands to provide additional support to some cohorts of children, including those from migrant backgrounds. This might be supporting children to participate and feel comfortable in services. This creates a need for different specialist workers to cater to children’s specific needs and results in demand for inclusion support staff, such as bicultural workers.

More than ever, the early childhood education services need workers who can engage and form trusting relationships with Victoria’s culturally diverse communities. Many organisations seek to employ staff members who are able to build connections with communities beyond language.

Recommended Read: How Much Do Childcare Educators Earn in Victoria

There is a need to expand the number of bicultural and bilingual workers in the sector, given their key role in bridging the gap between families and service providers. There are opportunities to grow the bicultural and bilingual workforce in rural and regional areas of Victoria, with the increasing settlement of culturally diverse communities in those areas.

One of the key barriers to entry into the workforce for culturally diverse communities is attaining the requisite Australian qualifications and accessing ongoing mentoring and support.

Interested in establishing a career in early childhood education? Global Business College of Australia (GBCA) gives you the opportunity to become a bilingual and bicultural early childhood educator with its Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) program. These programs are available for both international and domestic students and can be finished between 52 weeks (for Certificate III) and 76 weeks. See this link for more details.

Recommended Read: Five Main Responsibilities of a Childcare Educator