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How to Become an Education Support Worker: Australian Careers in Education Support

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What is a Education Support Worker?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Education Support Worker?

An Education Support Worker helps teachers and supports student learning in Australian primary and secondary schools. They work with students who have additional needs and help create an inclusive classroom for everyone.

In this role, you work alongside teachers every day. You help prepare learning materials, support students with tasks, and assist with classroom management. You also track student progress and share updates with teachers and families.

Education Support Workers play a key part in inclusive education. They support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, or language barriers. Their direct help can lift a student’s confidence and improve academic outcomes.

This career suits people who enjoy working with young people and want to make a real difference. A Certificate III in School Based Education Support (CHC30221) gives you the skills to get started. With experience, you can take on more senior roles or train as a teacher.

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Career snapshots For Education Support Workers

Education Support Workers are a steady part of the Australian school workforce. Around 74,800 people work in this role, with moderate future demand projected (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Most are women (88%) and the median age is 46. Most positions are part-time, with 22% working full-time.

Median weekly pay is $1,098 per week (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Full-time workers in senior roles earn more. The role exists in both government and private schools across Australia. Demand is strong in inclusive education settings.

What will I do?

Education Support Workers are a key part of the school team. They assist teachers with daily tasks and give targeted support to students who need extra help. Their work helps create a positive, inclusive learning setting for the whole class.

  • Assist with classroom activities: help teachers deliver lessons and manage daily tasks.
  • Give one-on-one student support: work with each student on reading, writing, and numeracy.
  • Use behaviour support strategies: help keep a calm and safe learning setting.
  • Build social skills: guide students to form positive bonds with peers.
  • Monitor student progress: track learning and social growth and update teachers.
  • Assist with personal care: support students with physical or medical needs during the school day.
  • Prepare learning resources: create and organise materials for lessons and activities.
  • Attend training: build skills and stay current with best practice in education support.
  • Work with specialist staff: talk with therapists and special education teachers to carry out support plans.
  • Talk with families: share updates with parents and carers about student progress.

What skills do I need?

Education Support Workers need a broad set of skills to work well in a school setting. The most important are strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

You need to read student behaviour and adjust your approach quickly. Patience and flexibility are vital, as every student is different. Organisational skills help you manage materials, timetables, and support plans. Working well with teachers and other staff is also key to success in this role.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Empathy and compassion for students
  • Patience and emotional resilience
  • Teamwork with teachers and school staff
  • Understanding of diverse learning needs
  • Organisation and time management
  • Problem-solving in a classroom setting
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Knowledge of inclusive education practices
  • Ability to maintain student confidentiality
  • Basic first aid (desirable)
  • Working with Children Check (required in all states)

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.