Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are the young people that reached adulthood in the 21st century – generally born between 1981 and 1996.
Unlike previous generations before them, Millenials have a lot of different options when it comes to studying and working towards the career they want to enjoy their futures in. Many Millenials aren’t just taking up the same profession their parents did or accepting any available position when they finish high school. They want to take the time to find a career that is meaningful to them and that will enrich their lives moving forward.
Why it is easier to study in the modern age
There are numerous opportunities available to Millennials when it comes to studying options in the modern-day. Government schemes and grants make it more affordable and there is a large volume of tertiary educational facilities with a wide range of courses on offer.
There is also more flexibility when it comes to studying as well which makes it possible to study and work at the same time. There are even remote and online learning options available so students are not forced to relocate to follow their dreams across a wide variety of courses and careers.
Millennials are focused on greater rewards
Previous generations would flock to study options like law, medicine, and other professional streams because of the attractive remuneration packages available. Money meant security and it was a priority to own property and build up a savings account very quickly, which usually meant that you need a high-paying job.
While the pursuit of wealth and security is still important today, Millenials have different priorities to their parents and grandparents and value job satisfaction and a sense of purpose in their chosen career rather than just the salary behind it.
That has led to many Millenials gravitating towards careers in the aged care and disability care sectors where they can achieve this sense of purpose, make a difference in people’s lives and gain job security in booming industries at the same time.
Why there is a strong demand for aged care workers?
The simple facts are that our population is growing and Australians are living to much older ages than previous generations. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the aged care workforce is going to need to almost triple from 366,000 to 980,000 by the year 2050 in order to address the needs of this growing number of older Australians that are using aged care services. This is backed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics that shows that the number of Australians who are aged 85 years and older will double by 2042. That means more than just workers in aged care facilities as well, with home care and home support services already experiencing shortages in staffing.
Opportunities available in aged care are just around the corner
A major benefit for Millenials that are considering work in the aged care sector is the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care. The final report from the Royal Commission is expected to be handed down in 2021 and is likely to include a raft of recommendations including better training and education opportunities in order to attract more workers to the industry.
That means there are more opportunities, better access to education and training, and strong job opportunities for graduates so they are highly likely to walk into a job when they complete their studies.
Working with purpose: the job opportunities available in aged care
There are many different kinds of roles in the aged care sector that all require different levels of training and experience including:
- Enrolled nurses and Registered nurses: To deliver primary health care to elderly patients
- Personal support workers: To assist with daily tasks and ensure residents are comfortable and happy
- Residential care workers: To provide support in aged care centres, clinics, or hospital environments
- Community support workers: Helping provide social, physical, and emotional support for older Australians in the community
- Home care assistants: For the rising number of older Australians who want to stay in their own home for as long as possible
- Lifestyle program coordinators: Linking care plans and individual preferences from residents and creating plans that will have a positive impact and lead to positive outcomes for residents.
And there are likely to be new roles created in the coming years as the demand for aged care services ramps up and the Royal Commissions findings and suggestions are handed down.