Care work sits on the short list of fields the government expects to keep growing. There are about 370,000 people in aged or disabled carer roles today, and the official projection adds about 67,000 more by 2035, up 18.1% over the decade. The support side is smaller and quicker: about 115,000 people now, up 24.7% over the decade. A projection describes the field, not any one person, but it means the years ahead lean your way if you're starting out.
The 2025 Occupation Shortage List rates aged and disabled carers in national shortage. In plain terms, employers around the country report these roles as hard to fill. The support occupations around them are currently assessed as balanced. For someone starting out, a national shortage rating is about as clear as a signal gets: the demand is not the hard part.
There's a well-worn way in. The most-used starting qualification is CHC33021, the Certificate III in Individual Support: 101,140 people were enrolled in 2025. From there the ladder steps up into Certificate IV specialisations, and the full run of recognised levels is mapped below, each rung with its national enrolment count.
Compare what each one covers, then enquire on the one that fits you. The provider sorts out the details with you directly.
Is aged care work expected to grow?
Yes. Official projections add about 67,000 carer positions by 2035, up 18.1% over the decade, with support work growing faster still.
Is there a shortage of aged care workers?
Officially yes. The 2025 Occupation Shortage List rates aged and disabled carers in national shortage, meaning employers report them hard to fill.
What qualification do I need to start in aged care?
Most people start with CHC33021, the Certificate III in Individual Support. It had 101,140 enrolments in 2025, and it appears in the course list on this page.