Certificate III in Individual Support

Overview

Make a positive difference to others with your career in Aged Care or Disability Work! Complete the new Certificate III in Individual Support, specialising in either Ageing or Disability, and become qualified with skills and experience to work in one of Australia's most rapidly growing work sectors.

You will find employment opportunities in the community, home, or residential care settings, where you will work as part of a team to provide person-centred care and facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support.

Your work may involve using discretion and judgement in relation to individual support as well as taking responsibility for your own outputs. As an employee you will have a range of factual, technical, and procedural knowledge, as well as theoretical knowledge of the concepts and practices required to provide person-centred support.

Where and When

Select a location to view course offerings and apply.

Duration

Ageing specialisation: Full-time 10 months | Disability specialisation: Full-time 12 months (incl end of year term break)

Requirements

This course is delivered as a combination of course work, recognition of knowledge and skills demonstrated in the workplace, online learning, and weekly intensive workshops. There is an expectation that students complete up to 10 hours per week additional study in their own time.

Disability specialisation Practical classes will require closed in shoes, t-shirts, long pants to be worn, jewellery to be removed, and nails short.

Field Placement

Ageing specialisation

• Students must be a minimum of 17 years of age at the time of their first clinical placement.
• Prior to placement students are required to have a current National Police Records Check; applications are at student's own cost and the price and process varies depending on the state they reside in. Students will also need to obtain a Victorian Working with Children's Check and NDIS Worker Clearance Check depending on venue.
• Prior to placement students are required to show evidence of up-to-date immunisation status for the following: Fluvax and 3 x COVID vaccines, however this varies depending on the placement venue and their requirements. Immunisations and serology test may be required at student's expense. Any concerns can be raised with the course coordinator.
• Students must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work placement. This will be undertaken in 1-week blocks, as negotiated with the course coordinator. Please consider whether you can undertake the placement component as it is a key requirement of the qualification. Work placement will be discussed in more depth at the interview stage and at the orientation session.

Disability specialisation

• A Working with Children Check (Victoria and New South Wales), and a NDIS Worker Clearance Check will be required to undertake your field placement for this course.
• Students must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of their first field placement.
• Students must complete a minimum of 120 hours of field education undertaken via 1-day per week placement starting Term 2 of your enrolment. Please consider whether you can undertake the placement component as it is a key requirement of the qualification. Field placement will be discussed in more depth at the interview stage and at the orientation session. Students who have worked or are working in the disability sector can discuss recognition of their skills and knowledge as part of their placement hours. The specific aims of the practical placements are to apply knowledge and skills learned during your studies in the workplace; make contact with employers and become familiar with employers' expectations; increase your employment options and employability skills; and gain skills recognised by industry.

Assessment

The method of assessment varies and can include (but is not limited to):

• Observation in the workplace or simulated environment
• Written tasks, including quizzes
• Research tasks, including projects
• Portfolios
• Oral presentations
• Group work

Other Information

Regional Disability Worker Scholarships The Victorian Government is offering new scholarships to support students to complete their unpaid placements. Students studying in 2025 may be eligible for future rounds of the new Regional Disability Worker Scholarships. Payments of $3,500 are available to support student completing the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). Students with disability and from First Nations communities are encouraged to apply. To find out more, visit (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/regional-disability-worker-scholarships)

Skills Developed

In addition to all core units completed as part of the qualification, students will also complete all units from their chosen specialisation (15 units in total as listed below).

Certification

By successfully completing this course and chosen specialisation you will receive a nationally recognised AQF qualification.

Compulsory Units

Fees

Fees Additional Information

Additional course costs that may apply Please note depending on individual circumstance there may be additional costs that apply throughout the completion of your qualification. These will be discussed further with your Course Coordinator, and may include:

• First Aid certificate
• National Police Check, and Working With Children Check
• NDIS Worker Clearance Check
• Workwear requirements for applied learning and placement
• Vaccination requirements
• Travel to placement service providers.

The student tuition fees published are indicative only and can be subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. Funding may be made available to eligible individuals by State and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. For more information see 'Fee information and eligibility' under the 'How to Apply' tab on the Wodonga TAFE website.

Pathways

• There are many course pathways open to graduates to extend their career opportunities. This includes (but is not limited to) higher level studies in community services or health, and also specific qualifications such as Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, and Diploma of Nursing.
• Successful completion of Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) CHC33021 is an entry requirement for the new Certificate IV in Disability CHC43121. Graduates may also consider upskilling options with short skillset courses to build their capacity to enter support coordination or team leader roles.

Careers

Depending on the specialisation completed, students may find career opportunities in roles such as: Senior Personal Care Assistant, Care Assistant, Accommodation Support Worker, Residential Support Worker, Community Access Coordinator, Community Care Worker, Community House Worker, Residential Care Worker, Food Services Deliverer, Transport Support Worker, In Home Respite Worker, Disability Service Officer, Care Worker, Client Assistant, School Support Officer (Disability), Family Support Worker, Care Service Employee, Planned Activity Assistant, Residential Aide, Field Officer (Community Services), Nurse's Aide, Home Care Assistant.

How To Apply

Applying for a course at Wodonga TAFE is a simple 4-5 step process. You can learn more here: Understanding the application process

Click the Apply Now button in the list below for the time and location that interests you.