A recent report from the Australian Government Department of Employment has made us stop and reflect on the future of the Allied Health industry in Australia. Currently, it’s an industry filled with promise, as the county’s need for health professionals is only growing. But it’s also an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling occupation to be a part of as well.
Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect from this industry.
Allied Health landscape
The Allied health landscape has always been important. There are many areas of professions to consider, but right now elder care occupations grow in importance as Australia’s population ages.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released their demographics report, finding that from 1996 to 2016, those aged 65 years or older increased from 12 per cent to 15.3 per cent. And, those over 85 years old doubled. This data might not shock you, people have to age! But, during the same time period, the population aged 15 to 64 years old remained fairly stable.
As the older population grows, it needs a workforce who can care for them. The Allied Health industry has the capacity to do just that.
Allied Health Industry in Australia
This occupation accounts for about 60 per cent of the country’s health workforce, according to Health Industry Training, but the demand for these professionals only grows.
In fact, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry is one of the largest employing industries in the country with 1.5 million workers, reports the Department of Employment. In the past five years, it has been the provider of more new jobs than any other industry in Australia.
But you know what? This industry is starting to age as well. Right now, the Department of Employment’s records show that 46 per cent of the current workforce to be 45 or older.
There is room for you, and the time to start training is now.
The future of Allied Health and Onfit
What does all this data mean? There is room for you, and the time to start training is now.
One of the best parts from the report showed that of the vocational education and training (VETs) graduates who completed a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance last year (2016), 84.2 per cent of them are now employed with a medium annual income of $62,600.
For more information on how you can learn more about becoming the future of Allied Health Professionals, contact our team here at Onfit Training College.