This is a Free TAFE for Priority Course. Find out about your eligibility

Learn to provide person-centred support to those who are ageing or have a disability

Combine work-based training as a workplace trainee in industry and learn the theoretical elements with formal training from Chisholm.

Students must be employed and a training contract between the employer and the trainee is required prior to enrolment. Traineeships are a great way to be paid for work, learn, and earn a qualification.

Australia’s population is ageing. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says that by 2030, around 17.8% of people will be aged 65 or over. Meanwhile, the Australian Network of Disability reports that over 4.4 million people currently have a disability. By becoming an individual and disability support worker, you could really help change lives for the better.

On successful completion of the Certificate III in Individual Support, you work in entry-level roles within residential aged care facilities and community care services or in a client’s home.

If you’re already working in aged or disability care, it will help you formalise your knowledge to progress your career.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• How to provide physical, social and emotional support to your clients
• An understanding of the human body and how to promote wellbeing
• Communicating with clients, families and co-workers, in an empathetic way
• Ways to provide person-centred support (understanding what is important to your client, their family and wider support team, and working together to plan care)
• How to give personal support to a diverse range of clients, with a focus on those living with dementia
• For clients with disabilities, learn about promoting ongoing skills development.

HOW YOU’LL LEARN
• Gain theoretical knowledge via live online classes. These classes are recorded so you can rewatch them anytime.
• Join practical sessions at our state-of-the-art allied health and individual support facility at Frankston or Berwick campuses.
• Part of the allied health and individual support facility includes a simulated apartment with full disability modifications.
• Get hands-on with equipment such as walking aids, wheelchairs, toilet aids and lifting machines.

Practical Placement:
All students entering the course must be aware that to complete the course, including the attendance of any associated practical placements, they must obtain the following prior to practical placement:
- A valid Working with Children Check
- A clear national police check
- Required immunisations to undertake practical placement.

Upon completing the CHC33021 course at Chisholm Institute, learners have various study pathways available to them, including:

Further education:
Graduates can pursue higher-level courses within aged care and disability, such as advanced diplomas or bachelor's degrees in related disciplines, to deepen their knowledge and skills.

Employment:
With the CHC33021 qualification, learners are prepared to enter the workforce as aged care or disability support professionals. They can seek employment in residential care facilities, community organizations, and home-based care services.

Specialisation:
Learners can undertake additional short courses or workshops to specialise in areas like dementia care, mental health support, or specialised communication techniques.

Professional development:
Ongoing professional development through workshops, seminars, and conferences is crucial. This helps graduates stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes.

Research and advocacy:
Some graduates may pursue research or advocacy roles within aged care and disability sectors, contributing to policy development, conducting research studies, or working with advocacy organisations.

Please note: The information on this page is for trainees only. View the non-traineeship version of this course.

Free TAFE Pathways

In addition to being a Free TAFE course, this course is also part of the Free TAFE Pathways initiative. This means you could study more than one course tuition-free, if they belong in the same pathway.

Course code
CHC33021
Delivery location
Workplace
International
Not available for International students
Length
Full Time, 12 months.
Start dates
ongoing

Please note: Students may be required to undertake an assessment of their literacy and numeracy as part of their application process.


Nationally Recognised Training logoChisholm is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and provides Nationally Recognised Training (NRT). This means you can be assured that our training will provide you with a qualification that is recognised and respected across Australia.

Chisholm courses are subject to minimum and maximum group numbers. Courses may be cancelled or postponed if minimum numbers are not achieved by the start date of the course. Courses may close prior to the start date if the maximum numbers are reached. In that situation, eligible applicants will be offered a place in the next available intake.