How to Become a Personal Care Worker in Australia (2025 Guide)
Are you compassionate, reliable, and passionate about helping others? Becoming a personal care worker in Australia can be a fulfilling and meaningful career—especially in the aged care and disability support sectors. With the growing demand for services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), there has never been a better time to join the industry.
In this article, we'll break down the steps, qualifications, and key insights you need to start your journey as a personal care worker in Australia.
Choosing to work as a disability support worker in Australia can be a highly fulfilling and rewarding career opportunity.
What Does a Personal Care Worker Do?
A personal care worker (PCW) provides essential support to individuals who need assistance with daily living. This may include:
Assisting with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, toileting)
Supporting mobility and transfers
Helping with meal preparation
Providing companionship
Performing light household duties
Assisting with medication reminders or wellbeing monitoring
Many personal care workers are employed in disability support, aged care, home care, or residential care settings.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Personal Care Worker in Australia
1. Complete the Required Training
To work as a personal care worker, most employers require a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) with a specialisation in:
Ageing
Disability
Home and Community Care
This qualification provides practical training in personal care, communication skills, safety procedures, and client-centred support.
💡 Tip: Look for training providers offering work placements as part of the course—this real-world experience is invaluable!
2. Get a National Police Check
Working with vulnerable individuals requires a clean background check. You must obtain a:
National Police Certificate
Working With Children Check (WWCC) (for roles involving children)
NDIS Worker Screening Check (for roles funded through the NDIS)
3. Complete First Aid and CPR Training
Basic First Aid (HLTAID011) and CPR (HLTAID009) certification is often mandatory. These courses ensure you're prepared to act during emergencies.
4. Apply for Jobs or Register with a Provider
Once qualified, you can:
Apply directly to disability and aged care providers
Register with NDIS service providers
Sign up on care platforms or recruitment agencies
Start work as a support worker in community care
Make sure your resume highlights:
Compassion and interpersonal skills
Training and certifications
Experience in support or care roles (including placements or volunteering)
Where Can You Work as a Personal Care Worker?
NDIS Providers (e.g. Pure Care Adelaide)
Aged Care Facilities
Home Care Agencies
Hospitals and Clinics
Private clients (self-managed NDIS participants)
Why Choose a Career as a Personal Care Worker?
✅ High demand: Australia’s ageing population and NDIS growth means more jobs
✅ Flexible hours: Part-time, full-time, and casual roles available
✅ Meaningful work: Make a genuine impact in someone’s life
✅ Career progression: Pathways into nursing, allied health, or support coordination
FAQs About Becoming a Personal Care Worker
Do I need experience to get started?
Not necessarily. Many providers will hire new graduates who have completed placements as part of their Certificate III training.
How much do personal care workers earn in Australia?
The average wage ranges from $28–$36 per hour, depending on experience, employer, and hours worked (as of 2025).
Can I work as a personal care worker without a qualification?
Some entry-level roles may not require formal training, but obtaining a Certificate III is highly recommended and often essential for long-term employment.
In Summary
Becoming a personal care worker in Australia is more than just a job—it’s a career that lets you make a real difference in people’s lives. If you're caring, patient, and ready to support others, this might be the perfect role for you.
Want to Work in Disability Support in Adelaide?
At Pure Care Adelaide, we’re always on the lookout for passionate and reliable personal care workers to join our team. Whether you're newly qualified or experienced, we’d love to hear from you.
➡️ Visit our Careers Page or Contact Us to find out more!
