At a glance
Kick start your career in the community services industry with this entry-level qualification. Gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide individual support in aged care as well as home and community settings.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Aged Care Worker
- Respite Care Worker
- Personal Care Giver
- Disability Services Worker
- Direct Care Worker
- Home Help Worker
- Personal Care Worker
- Support Worker
COURSE OUTCOME
CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support
Course overview
Make a start in your career in the community services industry with this entry-level qualification. This course will give you the skills you need to provide individualised support and care to people in aged care and home, and community settings.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as aged and disability carers is forecast to grow very strongly in the coming years. With around 179,000 job openings expected over the next five years, graduates with skills in this area will be in high demand.
You will learn how to support independence and wellbeing, gain a variety of technical skills, and develop a range of transferable skills from communication to teamwork. This specialised course will give you the skills to provide home and community support services to facilitate the empowerment of older people, people with a disability, and people living with dementia. Our highly-experienced teachers provide one-on-one guidance and support every step of the way to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work in aged care, and home and community care. It will also prepare you to undertake further studies in the community services and health sectors.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding, meaning it could be free for eligible school-leavers, young people and job seekers looking to develop new skills. Training is proudly delivered by TAFE Queensland and jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government. Learn more >
As part of your course you will gain valuable experience in real workplaces. Our strong partnerships mean you will learn the skills you need while also getting to know potential future employers.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 6 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 120 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| CHCCCS015 |
Provide individualised support | |
| CHCCCS023 |
Support independence and wellbeing | |
| CHCCOM005 |
Communicate and work in health or community services | |
| CHCDIV001 |
Work with diverse people | |
| CHCLEG001 |
Work legally and ethically | |
| HLTAAP001 |
Recognise healthy body systems | |
| HLTWHS002 |
Follow safe work practices for direct client care | |
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| CHCAGE001 |
Facilitate the empowerment of older people | |
| CHCAGE005 |
Provide support to people living with dementia | |
| CHCCCS011 |
Meet personal support needs | |
| CHCCCS025 |
Support relationships with carers and families | |
| CHCHCS001 |
Provide home and community support services | |
| HLTINF001 |
Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures | |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more
What you need to know about apprenticeships and traineeships
Eligibility
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
COST
Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.
Get In touch
Find out how we can tailor a training package specifically for you.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
Payment options
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Upfront payment
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Important Information
Selection criteria
Domestic students
It is highly recommended that you:-
- are aged 16 years or older by the course commencement date;
- have successfully completed Year 10 (or equivalent) or are of mature age; and
- have basic English skills (written and verbal communication).
International students
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International
- Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
Placement
If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.
Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 120 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.
Please note: Prior to placement you will need to complete a Federal Police Check.
If your police check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Vocational Placement Coordinator for further information.
You will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these placement requirements, which may include travel and/or accommodation costs as well as an additional cost of approximately $45 for a Criminal History Check.
To participate in vocational placement, TAFE Queensland requires you to have annual Influenza vaccinations. You will also need to be able to provide evidence that this has occurred.
Depending on the organisation which accepts students, there may be a request that students undertake additional vaccinations to protect students, residents, clients and their staff from contracting communicable illnesses. Students will be advised about this by the organisation.
Resources required
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.
You may also be required to purchase Industry Standard uniform items including TAFE Queensland branded items and closed-in, non-slip soled shoes. These details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. The purchase of these uniform items may incur additional costs.
Assessment Methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
How to apply
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways 