Careers and jobs that help people

We spend a lot of our lives at work so finding the right fit is important for your health and your career. Working in jobs that help people can be very rewarding and there are lots of different options, depending on your level of education, experience, and interests. 

If you are just beginning your job hunt after leaving school, looking to get back into a job after some time away, or changing careers, a job that helps others could be for you.

Aged Care

Australia is an aging country, in fact by 2050 roughly a quarter of Australians will be over the age of 65. All these older Australians will need care and support to maintain their health and dignity as they age. Naturally, this means that the future job outlook for a career in aged care is very strong.

Whether they are in live-in care or utilise an outreach program that provide in home visits, aged care support workers assist customers with their daily living tasks. From cooking and cleaning, helping in the garden, to getting them out and about, the work is varied.

As well as providing a valuable service to the community, aged care workers have the unique benefit of insight and wisdom gained from the past experiences of their customers.

Entering a career in aged care doesn’t require a degree. A Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is a great option that will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to find a job and succeed in this industry.

If support work isn’t a good fit for your skills but you are still interested in a career in the industry there are always other jobs in cleaning, hospitality, administration or logistics for aged care providers.

Disability Support

If you are looking for a job that offers flexibility for your life as well as being able to make a positive difference in people’s daily lives, then maybe disability support is a good choice.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will be as varied as the people you support, depending on their individual needs. You may find yourself working in a care facility or in customers’ homes, but you could also find yourself accompanying your customers to all kinds of places.

The demands for more staff are strong but most workers work part-time hours, so it is definitely a job that can fit around your life and family.

If you want to know more about disability support work or training in a Certificate III Individual Support (Disability), you can always reach out to one of our team.

Teaching

Teaching has strong growth potential for all states at both an elementary and secondary level. This isn’t demand just for university qualified teachers but for also teacher aides and educational support staff that generally only require vocational education.

While teaching can be a demanding profession it can also be one of the most rewarding. Helping children and young adults develop and reach their potential.

As far as jobs that help people go it can also be pretty fun! Every day is different and as classrooms have become more diverse and inclusive the kinds of learning activities that you could lead or be a part of might surprise you.

Childcare worker

Much like teaching there is significant demand for qualified childcare workers, and this looks to continue for the foreseeable future. Working in childcare can be physically demanding keeping up with young ones. However, the joy of a child’s laugh and the satisfaction you get from guiding young ones to explore and understand the world around them makes up for it.

Working within the childcare sector also has some lifestyle benefits other industries don’t. As many centres are open 10 to 12 hours a day the opportunity to work shifts at a time that suits your life could be available.

Many childcare providers will also take you on with qualifications and train you while you work and earn and living.

Nursing

When you think of jobs that help people those that work in the health care industry probably comes to mind. Being a nurse is all about caring for people going through various health problems and guiding them through uncertain times.

Given the stressful nature of dealing with health issues you also develop strong personal relationships with your patients.

Nursing jobs can vary a lot, so in terms of a career, there is always an opportunity to learn something new or work in a different area if you are someone that likes a job that can mix things up.

Roles within the healthcare sector are plentiful and generally quite secure with the opportunity to balance your lifestyle with many departments operating at all hours of the night or day.

They are also several ways to enter the profession whether you go to TAFE and start out as an Assistant in Nursing or Enrolled Nurse or go to university to study towards becoming a Registered Nurse.

Community Support

Do you have a strong sense of social justice? Do you want a job where you fight for those that might not have the tools or power to fight for themselves?

Whether advocating for and supporting vulnerable youth, caring for those with a disability or helping refugees and asylums seekers transition to life in Australia. One qualification can see you working in any of these roles looking out for some of our society’s most vulnerable people.

Jobs within the community support industry are some of the most in-demand in Australia and the growth of this sector doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon. There is also great potential to grow your career in all manner of ways depending on your desire and your interest area.

Coaching

Were you a keen nipper back in high school? Could you ace the best of them or slot a conversion from 50 out? Well maybe coaching is your calling? Sports coaching has a strong future of growth and great potential for younger former players to build a career in the sports industry.

Most coaching roles only require industry level certifications and are a great place to start for young athletes that have just left school. Being able to stay involved in the sport you love, however, does come with its challenges.

Many clubs may not be in the financial position to pay a lot (or anything) and rely on volunteers to fill these roles. This may mean you may have to have some other way to support yourself until you have the experience to land a paid role.

Better roles within the industry can be quite competitive as well and may require a bit more networking to find the right opportunity.

What about volunteering?

Do you already have a career but still have the burning desire to help out? What about volunteering? Whatever your passion and wherever you are located there are opportunities to give some of your time to help those that need it.

Volunteering Australia has a website designed to make it easier for you to find these opportunities. GoVolunteer can help you find the right volunteer role for you in your local area so you can give back.

If you are looking for work it might be worth trying volunteering as it can benefit your job search by helping you gain experience.

If this article has made you think about your career direction a good first step is to reach out to your consultant to see how they can help you.