Explore migrant pathways into Australia’s aged care sector. Learn about training, support, and inspiring stories of building meaningful aged care careers.
- Why is Australia facing a shortage of aged care workers?
- What inspired Alvin from the Philippines to pursue aged care?
- What roles are possible in aged care, and what checks do you need?
- What advice do experienced migrants have for newcomers?
- What government support exists for migrant aged care workers?
- Why is aged care more than just a job for many migrants?
This article shares practical tips from Work in Progress, an Australia Explained series exploring the journeys of skilled migrants building meaningful careers in Australia. Listen to all the episodes for more inspiring stories and expert advice.
In this episode, through the story of Alvin, we explore how migrants can build rewarding careers in Australia’s aged care sector and hear expert advice for getting started.
Australia’s aged care sector is facing an urgent workforce shortage as the population ages. By 2030, over 100,000 additional aged care workers will be needed, and migrants are playing a crucial role in filling this gap. Many are stepping in to provide essential care while bridging cultural and language divides, ensuring quality support for diverse communities.
Why is Australia facing a shortage of aged care workers?
By 2030, nearly one in five Australians will be over the age of 65, but the aged care workforce isn’t keeping up.
“The nation faces a shortage of over 100,000 aged care workers by 2030,” Erin Beigy warns, who is the Manager of Assessment Services at Community Work Australia. “There’s certainly an immediate need for direct care workers.”
How do migrant workers bridge cultural and language gaps in aged care?
One in three aged care recipients were born overseas, and many revert to their mother tongue as they age, particularly when living with dementia.
It’s certainly advantageous for carers from CALD [Culturally and Linguistically Diverse] communities... Language and cultural familiarity can make a huge difference in care quality.Erin Beigy
What inspired Alvin to pursue aged care?
Alvin Encarnacion arrived in Australia in 2023. He wasn’t planning a career in aged care but now describes it as his calling.
“It’s fulfilling. I feel like I’m helping my grandmother back home,” he says.
I don’t have family here, but the elders and coworkers became my family. I don’t call it a job, it’s a calling.Alvin Encarnacion
With a background in food science, Alvin arrived in Australia on a student visa. After struggling to find stable work due to visa restrictions, a chance conversation led him to Sunshine Hospital in Melbourne—and eventually to aged care.
He completed a Certificate IV in Ageing Support and now works as a personal care assistant, drawing on his ability to speak Ilocano, Tagalog, and English to support multicultural clients.
What roles are possible in aged care, and what checks do you need?
Aged care in Australia offers far more than frontline personal care roles. Depending on your skills, interests, and qualifications, you could work as a:
- Personal care worker or support worker
- Residential aged care support worker
- In-home support worker
- Community support worker
- Hospitality, catering, or facilities staff
- Administration or coordination staff
- Allied health assistant
- Enrolled or registered nurse
- Team leader, home care coordinator, or aged care manager
For many people, the most common entry point is a Certificate III in Individual Support, which prepares you for direct care roles. From there, qualifications like the Diploma of Community Services or Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management can open the door to leadership, management, and specialised positions.
To work in aged care, certain checks are mandatory. These may include:
- A National Criminal History Check (police check)
- A Working with Children or Vulnerable People check, depending on the role and setting
- For residential care, proof of annual influenza vaccination is often required
Employers usually provide guidance on which checks are required during recruitment, and in some cases, may support workers to complete them.
What advice do experienced migrants have for newcomers?
Lydia Kiropoulou, a former theatre nurse from Greece, began her aged care career after completing a Certificate III in Individual Support. She started in home care assistance and now leads government-funded services as a team manager.
Her advice to newcomers is clear: treat training seriously and start with volunteering.
“No amount of training can teach you how to care,” Lydia says. “But it will teach you how to protect yourself and your clients.”
She encourages migrants to ask questions early—even before arriving in Australia.
Always ask for help. That’s my first tip.Lydia Kiropoulou
What government support exists for migrant aged care workers?
To address the workforce shortage, the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement was introduced in 2023. It allows providers to sponsor overseas workers for roles such as personal care assistant and nursing support worker.
Employers sign an agreement with a union before nominating workers for sponsorship. The program also applies to migrants already in Australia.
A skills assessment—through organisations like Community Work Australia—validates overseas qualifications or relevant work experience. This step is often essential for being hired or sponsored.
Why is aged care more than just a job for many migrants?
For Alvin, aged care is deeply personal.
It taught me patience, empathy, and a deep respect for life. Think of them as your grandparents—it changes how you see everything.Alvin Encarnacion
He is now studying for a Diploma of Community Services, aiming to advance further in the sector.
Lydia adds that aged care is ultimately about giving back: “You will too. Get into this sector with heart. You’re doing the hard thing, but you’re giving something beautiful in return.”
Disclaimer: This article presents specific examples of migrants who found work in the aged care industry into the aged care industry. The information provided is accurate at the time of publishing but may change over time. Individuals interested in working in aged care should seek tailored advice from official sources, such as the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and Community Work Australia, as well as registered training providers and professional associations.
