Wage Increases for Aged Care Workers from January 1, 2025

An aged care worker supporting an elderly lady at her home.

From January 1, 2025, aged care workers will see fairer wages, thanks to the Australian Government’s increase in Home Care Package (HCP) subsidies. This initiative is part of a broader aged care reform, aiming to improve conditions for workers while maintaining high-quality care for those receiving Home Care Packages. 

An aged care worker supporting an elderly lady at her home.

 

Wage Increases for Aged Care Workers from January 1, 2025

A Step Towards Aged Care Reform 

This initiative is part of the Australian Government’s $36 billion investment in aged care reforms over the next four years, addressing critical issues identified in the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. These reforms aim to ensure dignity, respect, and safety for older Australians while also acknowledging the invaluable contributions of aged care workers. 

 

What This Means for Aged Care Workers 

The Fair Work Commission’s wage increase was a significant win for aged care staff, but its success depends on funding. With the Home Care Package subsidy increase, providers will have the necessary financial support to implement these wage adjustments fairly. 

If you’re an aged care worker, this means: 

  • Better pay, as providers receive higher subsidies to cover wage increases. 
  • Greater job stability, with more funding to retain and support workers. 
  • Stronger industry recognition, acknowledging the value of aged care professionals. 

For more details on wage increases, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman. 

 

What Happens Next 

The Home Care Package subsidy will increase by 0.93% on 1 January 2025 to reflect the Fair Work Commission Stage 3 decision on award wage increases for eligible workers.  

This funding boost ensures that providers can pass on the wage rises granted by the Fair Work Commission, recognising the vital role aged care workers play in supporting older Australians. 

This money is specifically designated for wages, meaning aged care workers should see the benefit reflected in their pay checks. 

If you work in aged care and have questions about how this change affects you, reach out to your employer or check government resources like My Aged Care. 

 

Why the Subsidy Increase is Important 

The subsidy increase represents a broader effort to address long-term challenges in the aged care sector. Recent studies have shown that aged care is one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia, with a projected need for 110,000 additional workers by 2030. However, workforce retention remains a concern due to historically low wages. 

By prioritising fair wages, this initiative aims to ensure aged care remains an attractive and sustainable career option. Additionally, better pay and working conditions are strongly correlated with improved service quality, benefiting both workers and care recipients. 

 

See Yourself as an Aged Care Worker? 

By addressing workforce challenges head-on and ensuring fair pay for care workers, The Home Care Package subsidy increase takes a step towards creating a more sustainable and equitable aged care system in Australia. 

If you see yourself as Aged Care Worker, there is no better time to embark on the journey than now! At GBCA, we offer the Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability Support, with solid support to assist you on your rewarding journey.  

Reach out to us today for any further questions, or to enrol in our upcoming intake.

GBCA’s Diploma of IT in Melbourne – Supported Path to Success

Diploma of IT students studying at a computer lab

With the growing demand for skilled professionals in the IT field, attaining the right qualifications such as the Diploma of IT is now more valuable than ever. At Global Business College of Australia (GBCA), our Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220) is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to be industry ready. 

 

Why Choose GBCA’s Diploma of IT? 

Our Diploma of IT offers an industry-focused curriculum, combining practical skills with theoretical knowledge to help you gain a comprehensive understanding of IT concepts. Students will learn essential skills in areas such as web programming, database integration, API development, and cybersecurity, all tailored to help students meet the ever-changing demands of the tech industry. 

Diploma of IT students studying at a computer lab

What You Will Learn 

GBCA’s Diploma of Information Technology equips students with the essential skills to thrive in IT roles like front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. You will gain hands-on experience in: 

  • Designing and developing interactive web applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 
  • Building user-friendly solutions with a focus on User Experience (UX) and interface design. 
  • Integrating databases and implementing REST APIs for robust back-end development. 
  • Promoting cybersecurity best practices in workplace environments. 
  • Leading IT teams and aligning IT projects with organisational strategies. 

Upon completion of the course, potential job opportunities can include: 

  • Front end web developer 
  • Backend developer 
  • Full stack web developer 
  • API developer 
  • User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) developer 

 

Student Support at GBCA 

 A key feature that sets GBCA apart is our emphasis on student support, as we understand every student’s journey is unique. With a clear understanding of the obstacles students might face throughout their journey, we strive to provide students with a strong ground of support – from technical issues, assisting with the campus life, or academic enquiries.   

Our trainers also play a crucial role in guiding students through their journey, offering practical insights and valuable mentorship that extends beyond just the course material. Manoj Pulickan, a recent graduate of the Diploma of IT, shared his heartfelt gratitude for the support he received from his trainer throughout the program.  

In a recent testimonial, he expressed how his trainer’s “guidance, patience, and unwavering support” helped him through challenging moments, ultimately enabling him to achieve his goals. His story highlights the critical role our trainers play in shaping the success of our students. As Manoj said, “The knowledge and skills you’ve imparted will certainly serve as a strong foundation for my career in Information Technology.“ 

 

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

If you’re looking to embark on your learning journey in Melbourne, the Diploma of IT at GBCA is the perfect choice for those interested in this field. With personalised support, an industry-relevant curriculum, and a strong focus on student success, GBCA provides an educational environment where you can thrive. 

Start your IT career journey with GBCA by reaching out today! Visit our course page to learn more about how we can help you succeed. 

Become a BAS Agent – Essential Qualifications and Skills

A BAS agent talking to their client discussing about tax.

Becoming a BAS (Business Activity Statement) Agent in Australia offers numerous benefits, particularly for individuals seeking a rewarding career in the fields of bookkeeping or accounting. Due to their exclusive legal permissions, BAS agents can earn up to $120,000 p.a. on average, a 20.8% difference compared to an accountant’s average salary. This agent registration not only increases your earning potential and career opportunities but also enhances your professional credibility. Given all of these benefits, what does it take to become a BAS agent? Let’s find out in this blog! 

 

Main Responsibilities of a BAS Agent 

BAS agents have a range of critical duties, including: 

  • Preparing and Lodging BAS: Managing clients’ GST, PAYG withholding, and PAYG installments. 
  • Payroll Services: Overseeing superannuation and payroll tax obligations. 
  • Compliance Advice: Offering guidance on meeting tax and accounting compliance requirements. 
  • Client Records Maintenance: Ensuring clients’ records are accurate and up to date. 
  • Representation: Acting on behalf of clients in dealings with the ATO for BAS-related matters  

This professional role ensures businesses meet their tax obligations efficiently while freeing up time for clients to focus on other aspects of their operations. 

A BAS agent talking to their client discussing about tax.

Required Qualifications for BAS Agent Registration 

To register as a BAS agent, you must meet specific education and experience requirements set by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). These include: 

  • Completing at least a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping from a recognised training organisation, with courses covering GST and BAS principles. 
  • Accumulating 1,400 hours of relevant work experience in the last four years under the supervision of a registered tax or BAS agent. 

 

Essential Skills for BAS Agents 

Becoming a proficient BAS agent requires a combination of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

1. Attention to Detail

Accurate bookkeeping and compliance are critical in BAS-related tasks. BAS agents must meticulously review invoices, receipts, and financial documents to ensure compliance with Australian taxation laws. Errors in financial records or GST reporting can lead to penalties for clients. 

2. Analytical Thinking

A strong ability to interpret and apply GST laws and other regulations is crucial. Analytical thinking helps BAS agents assess financial data, identify discrepancies, and ensure compliance with legislative requirements. 

3. Communication Skills

BAS agents need excellent communication skills to explain financial and taxation matters in a clear, accessible way. Whether working with small business owners or larger clients, the ability to convey complex information simply is vital.  

 4. Proficiency in Accounting Software

Practical skills in software like MYOB, Xero, and QuickBooks are essential. These tools are widely used for preparing financial statements and lodging BAS.  

 

Why Pursue a Career as a BAS Agent? 

The demand for qualified BAS agents continues to grow as businesses seek professional assistance with compliance and financial management. With a clear career pathway and the opportunity to work flexibly, becoming a BAS agent offers both job security and professional fulfillment. 

 

Start Your Journey to Becoming a BAS Agent Today 

If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a BAS agent, GBCA’s agent registration package is the perfect choice. This pathway sets you up to meet requirements established by the TPB with two courses, including the FNS40222 self-paced Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping and FNSSS00004 BAS Agent Registration Skill. Furthermore, the flexibility of these self-paced programs allows you to pursue and advance in your career with ease while managing other commitments.  

Ready to start your journey towards a rewarding career? Reach out to us today via our contact form. 

Top 5 Advantages of Being an Interpreter 2024

Choosing a career as an interpreter offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards, making it an appealing path for many. Let’s explore the top 5 advantages that come with being an interpreter. 

Top 5 Advantages of Being an Interpreter 2024

1. Rewarding Work

Interpreters play a crucial role in bridging language gaps, enabling clear communication between people from different linguistic backgrounds. They possess the proficiency that can help minimise language barriers as well as the frustration that could come with it.  

By helping others connect and understand each other, interpreters often find their work fulfilling, knowing they’ve contributed to effective communication and societal harmony.

2. Growing Demand

As Australia becomes increasingly multicultural, the demand for interpreters is on the rise. With over 20% of Australians speaking a language other than English at home, interpreters are essential for facilitating communication in various sectors.  

Languages such as Mandarin, Arabic, Korean, Vietnamese, and Spanish are particularly in demand. This evolving multicultural landscape creates abundant opportunities for interpreters, making it a promising career path in Australia. 

3. Travel Opportunities

Interpreting can open doors to global travel, depending on your sector. Whether working with international businesses, government bodies, or as a freelance interpreter, there are many opportunities to travel for work, allowing you to explore the world while advancing your career. 

4. Intellectual Stimulation

A career in interpreting is mentally stimulating, requiring constant learning and adaptation. Staying updated on language trends and new terminology keeps your mind sharp. 

 Additionally, studies show that being bilingual or multilingual may delay the onset of dementia in individuals. Language acquisition may also improve memory and concentration, making this career both rewarding and beneficial for cognitive health. 

5. Flexible Scheduling

Interpreting offers flexibility, especially for freelancers who can set their own schedules. This allows for a healthy work-life balance, enabling interpreters to pursue other interests and commitments outside of work. 

 

Begin Your Interpreting Career with GBCA 

From its rewarding nature to the increasing demand, interpreting is a dynamic career choice. If you’re looking to embark on this path, GBCA’s Diploma of Interpreting (Mandarin-English) and Advanced Diploma of Interpreting are designed to equip you with the practical skills to ensure you meet the high industry standards.  

With the prestigious NAATI accreditation, you’ll be well-prepared for a rewarding career in interpreting, gaining recognition that enhances your employability both in Australia and internationally. 

Ready to learn and start your rewarding journey as an interpreter? Reach out to us today! 

Individual Support Worker in Victoria: Salary and Rates 2024

An individual support worker in her blue uniform taking care of an elderly woman

Are you aspiring to kickstart a meaningful and rewarding career as an Individual Support Worker in Victoria, Australia? Keep reading to explore the occupational scope and earning potential of support workers in aged or disability care. 

A Support Worker’s Scope of Work 

An Individual Support Worker in Victoria plays a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing assistance to people with disabilities, the elderly, or those in need of personal care due to medical conditions. Their duties can range from helping with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating to providing companionship and emotional support. They may also be responsible for medication management, coordinating with healthcare professionals, and helping clients to maintain their independence. 

The responsibilities of an individual support worker require a compassionate nature, patience, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each client. This work is not only about physical assistance but also about enhancing the quality of life for those they serve. It is a role that demands dedication and a personal touch, making it both challenging and rewarding. 

An individual support worker in her blue uniform taking care of an elderly woman

How Much Does a Support Worker Earn? 

According to governmental data, a support worker makes a weekly salary of $854.00 on average. However, the salary of an Individual Support Worker can vary significantly with their level of experience and qualifications. Generally, those who are just starting in the profession may earn a lower wage, which increases with time and the accumulation of practical experience. According to the NDIS pay arrangements, the hourly rate for support workers ranges from $29.25 to $49.95 depending on experience level.  

Professional certifications and specialised training can also elevate an individual’s earning potential, as they demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment to the field. The Global Business College of Australia (GBCA) offers care training certificate programs such as the Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability Support, which provides practical knowledge and hands-on experience through work placement. Check out these programs if you want to get a head start on your career as a support worker. 

Furthermore, how much you can earn as a disabled or aged carer also depends on type of employer, and the nature of the work. For instance, a care staff working in the Community Services & Development industry may expect wages on the higher end ($63,843 per annual average), while those working within Hospitality & Tourism might expect salary on the lower end ($55,120 per annual average). Those working for private organisations or in metropolitan areas may also see higher wages compared to their counterparts in rural settings or within public sector roles. 

Additional Benefits and Perks for Individual Support Workers 

Beyond the base salary, individual support workers in Victoria may enjoy a variety of additional benefits and perks that contribute to their total remuneration package. These can include superannuation contributions, paid leave entitlements, professional development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements. Some employers may also offer health insurance, travel allowances, and support for further education. 

As the demand for individual support workers is consistently growing, the role of an individual support worker is becoming even more crucial. Embark on a rewarding career today in helping to improve others’ quality of life. 

Building a Professional LinkedIn Profile: A Student’s Guide

In today’s digital age, your online presence can easily become your resume. How well you present yourself online can have a direct impact on the first impressions from employers. For students stepping into the professional world, LinkedIn is a dynamic platform to showcase your background, skills, and achievements. Here’s how you can develop a compelling LinkedIn profile that not only reflects your current accomplishments but also paves the way for future opportunities.  

1. Start with a Professional Profile Photo

As your profile photo tends to make the first impression for recruiters, choose a clear, professional photo with a smart outfit, simple background, and good lighting. If you want to take a step further, you may seek professional photographers to shoot your profile photos. You might be able to find them at photobooths during career events on campus. As your profile picture can speak volumes about your professionalism, invest time and effort in producing a quality photo.  

2. Craft a Compelling Headline

Your headline/ title should express yourself beyond your current student status. To fully deliver how you perceive your professional trajectory, also include your future aspirations. This may address what you hope to achieve, or the field in which you would like to work after finishing your studies. Phrases like “Aspiring Marketing Professional” or “Computer Science Student & Tech Enthusiast” can provide useful insights into your ambitions. If you need ideas for your headline, you can check out the profiles of workers you admire or recent alumni.  

3. Summarise Your Story

The summary section is the key point of your profile. It’s where you can highlight your academic achievements, qualifications, and goals. Be genuine and mention what you’re passionate about, the skills you have, why your chosen field perfectly fits you, and how you aim to impact the field.  

4. Showcase Your Experience

Here you can include your working experience, including part-time jobs, paid/unpaid internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Describe your responsibilities and achievements in each role, focusing on what you learned and how you contributed. Don’t worry if you do not have a long work history. You can highlight your volunteer experience or extracurricular activities, and these experiences may also be highly evaluated by recruiters. Use action verbs and clarify your accomplishments with numbers or percentages when possible.  

5. Detail Your Educational Background

Regarding educational background, you should include your college, major, and expected graduation date. To provide more context to your academic dedication and interests, consider listing relevant courses, your GPA (if impressive), and any honours or awards.  

6. Highlight Skills and Endorsements

List skills relevant to your career goals, and encourage classmates, professors, and past employers to endorse the skills. These validations add credibility to your profile. If you’re not sure which skills to mention, have a look at some job descriptions in your field and identify the skills highlighted.

7. Engage with Your Network

After completing your profile, start connecting with peers, alumni, and professionals in your field of interest. Actively participate in discussions, share relevant articles, and congratulate connections on their achievements. Remind yourself that networking is about building relationships, not just increasing your connection count.  

8. Get Recommendations

Aside from endorsements on your skills, you can also get recommendations from professors, supervisors, or colleagues, which provides a personal touch to your profile. They are powerful testimonials of your character and work ethic.  

9. Be an Active Participant

Regularly update your profile with new achievements, projects, or learning experiences. A dynamic profile shows that you are evolving and actively engaged in professional development.  

Conclusion  

Your LinkedIn profile is more than a digital resume; it’s the narrative of your professional journey. For students, it’s a platform to articulate not only where you’ve been but also where you’re headed. By thoughtfully crafting each section, you set the stage for your future career, opening doors to opportunities that align with your aspirations and values.  

Follow GBCA’s social media and blog for regular updates on current student events and useful insights!  

 

References 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-tips-students-new-grads-linkedin-omar-garriott/  

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-optimize-your-linkedin-account-even-youvenever-had-parker-pell/ 

Challenges International Students Face While Living in Australia

Challenges International Students Face in Australia

New international students who arrive in Australia are often excited to start their new chapter in life. They come with big dreams and high hopes to build the future career path that they would like to pursue.  

However, their plans are almost always faced with challenges and roadblocks that delays or even halts their plans. In this article, we will be focusing particularly on a couple of these challenges.  

 

The Education System Is Very Different From We Know in Australia 

This is considered one of the most common challenges that new international students face in Australia. The education system overseas can be very different from Australia. Students struggle to understand how to do proper research and cite references, be an active member of a group assignment or even understanding the course requirements.

difference-in-education-systems---gbca-college

Getting the Right Information and Introduction to Life in Australia 

As exciting as living in a new country can be, if you don’t get the right information at the start, life might get tough for you in Australia. New students often struggle with getting around, finding the right places to do their shopping, places to live and organising their paperwork. This is where student orientation programs and guides come in handy.

melbourne-state-library-gbca-international-students
 

The Language Barrier 

Learning the English language can be a big challenge. There are different grammar rules and exceptions in English that makes it very difficult for new students to reach a level of fluency that allows them to communicate comfortably with others. 

What makes this language barrier even worse is when students start speaking with locals. They don’t realise that Australians speak fast, and have their own slang, and pronounce and say words differently. Which can be very difficult to understand for non-native speakers. 

 


 

How to overcome these challenges? 

GBCA highly recommend international students understand an English language course that helps develop and improve their English language skills for academic, work and social purposes.  

We currently offer:  

These courses focus not only on grammar and speaking skills, but also teaches you how to prepare for your education in Australia, learn how to do research, and cite your references properly.   

If you would like to learn more, get in touch with one of our consultants 

enquiry@gbca.edu.au 

 

 

 

Nebula’s Experience at Multicultural Event

  • Nebula is one of the staff members of GBCA and she would like to share her experience as part of the GBCA community 

 

How time flies! It has been more than three years since I moved to Melbourne, and so much has happened in the blink of an eye. Melbourne is a very special city in terms of demography – many people from different cultural backgrounds are calling Melbourne home. I guess everyone somehow expected a regular level of “cultural shock” . 

 

Melbourne has many wonderful features after one got through the initial “shocks”. Working at GBCA, I often enjoy the serenity and calm when strolling around the green spaces near the college, which are within a few minutes’ walk – isn’t that delightful? Especially as our college is only two blocks away from Central Station.

 

Yesterday we held a multicultural celebration at the college’s library. It was a short two-hours lunch gathering, but it reflected the unique charm of Melbourne in many ways. There were staff, lecturers and students from our college, as well as guests from the University of Canberra and Deakin University. Over 70 guests from many walks of life: different ages, different country of origins, have different heritage and different cultural backgrounds, all came together to celebrate a community that we established for ourselves.

 

The event was inspired by the Diwali festival and coincidentally this year’s Halloween as well. Some people showed up in beautiful Saris and others were in fun Halloween costumes like apes and witches – believe it or not, we were not the only ones dressed up when we walked around that evening… 

 

Diwali (also spelt Deepawali) is regarded to be the Festival of Lights. It is one of the four major festivals celebrated by Hindus and a grand festival in India, usually taking place in the tenth or eleventh month of the Indian Gregorian calendar. To me, Diwali has a lot of similarities to the Lunar New Year in China. I enjoyed the many legends and regional stories shared by my colleges and students. They told me that on this day, fireworks and celebratory lights illuminate the night sky and purify our body and mind. Not only is it a metaphor of good defeating evil, it also serves as the symbol of knowledge fending off ignorance and enriching our lives – I love this metaphor.

 

On the other hand, Halloween is rather different from the fear-themed Chinese Ghost Festival and Ching Ming Festival. It is widely known as a popular holiday from the United States, but it can also be traced back to centuries ago in Europe, as it is related to the Iron Age Celtic’s “Samhain”. The ancient Celtic Savin Festival is the celebration of the end of the harvesting season and the beginning of winter. According to the Celtic story, the spirit of the dead would return to visit the living – now that’s rather similar to Ching Ming! I guess to some extent, Halloween commemorates the generations and experiences before us, farewellautumn or fall and prepare for winter… which can be confusing in the Southern Hemisphere as we’re actually preparing for a hot summer according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

 

Either way, it is wonderful to be able to find parallels between cultural groups.

 

My most memorable moment on the day was my first bite into the famous traditional Indian desert “Gulab Jamun” and “Rasgulla”. They were made from dairy products and sugar, black tea, rose water, rose petals, etc… I always believed that the experience of food can be the first step in experiencing attitudes, cultures and lives. I encourage everyone to go out there and learn about other cultures – starting with food!

 

The only imperfection of the day was that I didn’t win anything from the event’s lucky draw: movie tickets, JB Hi-Fi vouches, Google Home, and those cute little gift packages! Hopefully I will be lucky in GBCA’s upcoming Christmas event, and experience more stories and delicious food! 

 

I know there’s no way we can list and try all the different foods, stories, cultures and festivals – but if we keep an open mind, and the willingness and openness to connect with one another, we will  have a bigger and more wonderful world to share.

 

Aussie presences at CIIE Shanghai

Australian Trade Minister, the Hon. Simon Birmingham is leading a delegation of Aussie state politicians and business leaders to Shanghai during the first week of November to attend CIIE in Shanghai, which GBCA is one of the only 10 Aussie tertiary education providers exhibiting. 

Aussie presences at CIIE Shanghai

Senator Birmingham was the Minister for Education and Training, during a speech at the EduTECH Conference, 8/6/2018, Senator Birmingham had expressed that the Federal Government “knows the challenges our nation and our education system face in preparing for the future”, which prompted the country’s investment on innovation and reinvigoration of Australia’s national research infrastructure.  

GBCA’s motto is “Innovative Minds, Caring Hearts, Global Skills”. Our team hope to become one of the critical parts of the Aussie education ecosystem and help bringing young talents to enrich the Australian innovation and research landscape. 

Senator Birmingham had contributed the following article based on his experience at CIIE on the Australian Financial Review where he explained “…education, healthcare and logistics” are some of the longstanding partnerships fields between Australia and China. 

Aussie presences at CIIE Shanghai

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