Australia’s Aged Care Sector in Dire Need of Skilled Staff

Australia’s Aged Care Sector in Dire Need of Skilled Staff

Critical Workforce Gaps Are Opening Doors for Psychology & Nursing Graduates within Australia’s Aged Care, Disability Care and Mental Health Workforce.

Why Bachelor of Psychology and Nursing Graduates Are in Prime Demand for National Workforce Gaps in Aged care.

Australia is facing a critical shortage of professionals in the mental health, aged care, disability, and dementia support sectors, and for young graduates in psychology and nursing, the timing has never been more strategic.

According to Yahoo Finance, Australia’s top in-demand roles include mental health workers and aged care support staff, with salaries reaching up to $125,000 for those with the right qualifications and experience. Employers across regional and metropolitan areas urgently seek skilled, caring professionals to fill thousands of unfilled roles in the social care economy. Current data suggests that the average salary for mental health support workersstarts at AUD $85,000 and can increase significantly with experience and specialisation.

Supporting this is the KPMG Aged Care Market Analysis report 2 years running for 2023 and 2024 highlighting manpower as a critical issue for the sector.

As of January 2025, Australia’s aged care system is under increasing strain, with over 81,194 older Australians on the National Priority Waiting List for Home Care Packages— a rise of 5,000 in just five months, as stated by Thea Connolly, First Assistant Secretary, Home & Residential with the Department of Health and Aged Care. The average wait time has now stretched to six months, and for higher-level packages (Level 3 and 4), the delay can range from 9 to 15 months, according to Senate Estimates testimony by the Department of Health and Aged Care. Despite political pressure and criticism of the Federal Government’s allocation of only 24,100 additional packages in the 2024–25 Budget, demand continues to outpace supply. These extended delays point out the dire need for more skilled support workers in aged care and community settings, especially those trained to deliver in-home and complex care services.

Australia Immersion: Your Career Pathway Starts Here

The Australia Immersion Program, with EDUK8U® TVET School Asia and Workready Asia, is tailored for Bachelor of Psychology or Nursing graduates under 32. It offers a seamless transition into Australia’s workforce with:

  • Workplace certification aligned to mandatory requirements for aged care, disability, and dementia services.
  • A fully supported employment, immigration, relocation and wellbeing pathway.
  • Confirmed job placement in elderly care and support work through a licensed service provider and labour services firm.
  • Optional opportunity to complete an MBA while working to support future leadership potential and add skills points.

Mental Health & Psychology Graduates

The demand for behavioural support workers, mental health assistants, and NDIS-focused carers means psychology graduates can enter the sector earlier, gaining real-world experience while completing higher-level qualifications.

Nursing Graduates

Whether you hold a diploma or a full Bachelor of Nursing, your skills are needed in aged care facilities, community-based disability services, and increasingly, specialist dementia care environments. The immersion model allows you to earn while you upskill through structured career development.

A National Workforce Priority = A Global Opportunity for You

With Australia’s government backing aged care reform and workforce expansion, the Immersion pathway offers a life-changing opportunity to build a sustainable, meaningful and rewarding career in a high-growth, high-impact field.

This isn’t just an opportunity; it could be the life-changing point you’ve been waiting for.

This could be your chance if you’re feeling lost, stuck, or just want something more meaningful. Imagine creating a career where you can make a real difference every day, not just in the lives of others but also in your own. With the right support, you won’t just grow but thrive in a career that truly makes a difference.

Are you ready to make a difference and secure your future? This is the moment to act!

Enquire now: https://www.eduk8u.com/au-oet-aged-care-edu/

Author picture

Dr. Roy is the Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer and holds responsibility for the overall strategic management & leadership in achieving the graduate schools’ vision & goals. His own belief for lifelong learning, as well as his drive for business management excellence, has brought him to achieving his passion for being part of the postgraduate education sector in Malaysia.

Dr Roy Prasad

(Hon Professor) FInstAM 

DBA (CH), DBA (DK),
MHRM (MY), Grad Mgt (AU)

Group Managing Director &
Chief Executive Officer