Clinton Institute
How to Become an Aged Care Worker in Melbourne

How to Become an Aged Care Worker in Melbourne | Step-by-Step Guide

Published: October 2026 | Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) | Melbourne

Australia needs more than 74,900 new aged and disability carers nationally by late 2026. Here is exactly how to become one — starting in Melbourne, starting now.

Step 1 — Meet the Entry Requirements

Before enrolling in aged care, confirm you meet the basic entry criteria:

Step 2 — Enrol in CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support

The minimum qualification for aged care work in Australia is CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. Clinton Institute delivers this as a 3-month fast track program — so you can be qualified in as little as 3 months of study.

Clinton's CHC33021 includes:

View full CHC33021 course details at Clinton Institute →

Step 3 — Complete 120-Hour Mandatory Work Placement

CHC33021 requires 120 hours of work placement in a registered aged care facility. Clinton arranges this for you through employer partnerships with Arcare, Opal, and Benetas across Melbourne.

During placement you will be assessed on real tasks: personal care, medication assistance under supervision, mobility aids, meal assistance, and documentation. This is not optional — it is a formal assessment requirement.

Step 4 — Obtain NDIS Worker Screening Clearance

To work in disability support in Victoria, you need an NDIS Worker Screening clearance. Apply online at worker-screening.com.au. The process takes up to 20 business days — start this as early as possible in your study period.

Cost: Free for students in a qualifying training program. Clinton will advise on whether your application qualifies for the fee waiver.

Step 5 — Get First Aid, CPR, and Manual Handling Certificates

Clinton includes First Aid, CPR, and Manual Handling in the CHC33021 program. If you need these separately:

Step 6 — Start Your Job Search

With your CHC33021 Certificate, NDIS clearance, First Aid, and Manual Handling — you are ready to apply. Job search channels:

Aged Care Salary in Melbourne — SCHADS Award 2026

Qualification Base Rate (Weekday) Career Level
Entry-level (Cert III) $32.00–$34.50/hr Personal Care Worker, Aged Care Worker
Cert IV qualified $34.50–$39.00/hr Senior Aged Care Worker, Team Leader
Diploma qualified $38.00–$45.00/hr Case Manager, Care Coordinator
Weekend loadings: +25–50% | Public holiday: up to $55/hr effective

Top Aged Care Employers in Melbourne

Clinton has employer partnerships with three major providers — students who excel on placement have received direct job offers:

Arcare Aged Care

Opal HealthCare

Job Outlook — 74,900 New Aged Care Roles by Late 2026

Australia's aged care sector is growing faster than any other industry. Approximately 74,900 new aged and disability carer roles are projected nationally by late 2026 — driven by Australia's ageing population and increased NDIS demand.

Melbourne's outer suburban growth corridors have some of the highest aged care job densities in the country. The western corridor (Footscray, Sunshine, Derrimut), the south-east (Dandenong, Keysborough), and the northern new estates (Wollert, Mickleham) are all actively recruiting.

Start Your Aged Care Career at Clinton Institute — RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C

Phone: +61 3 8394 2064 | Email: admission@clinton.edu.au

View CHC33021 course details →

Apply online now →

Clinton Institute | RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C

Level 9, 313 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 | Phone: +61 3 8394 2064 | Email: admission@clinton.edu.au

Visa and migration outcomes are subject to individual eligibility and Australian Government policy. Speak to a registered migration agent.