Course Overview

About This Course

Make a start in your career in aged care with this entry-level qualification. This course will give you the skills you need to provide individualised support and care to people in home, community, or health care settings. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working in welfare support is expected to grow very strongly over the coming years. This large occupation offers strong job prospects with the workforce expected to reach over 90,000 by 2026. You will learn how to support independence and wellbeing, gain a range of technical skills, and develop a range of transferable skills from communication to teamwork. This specialised course will give you the skills to facilitate the empowerment of older people, and provide support to those 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/or home and community care. It will also give you the foundation to undertake further studies in the community services and health sectors.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Concession $75 · Subsidised $255 · Full fee $4,695

Duration

6 months

Study Mode

Full time / Traineeship

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students:

Skills Check recommended benchmark levels: 3 in English, 3 in Maths, 3 in Digital Technology
Recommended: aged 16 years or older by course commencement, successful completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) or mature age, basic English skills
Traineeship pathway: must be indentured as a trainee with an employer

International Students:

English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or a qualification that indicates likely success of course completion
Age: minimum 17 years, turning 18 during the first year of study. Under-18 student visa applicants require adequate welfare arrangements
Students from certain countries must apply through a TAFE Queensland registered agent

All students:

120 hours of vocational placement required
NDIS Screening Check and Blue Card (Working with Children Check) required; vaccinations may be required by the placement provider

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Personal Care Worker
Personal Carer
Direct Care Worker
Home Help Worker
Support Worker
Respite Care Worker

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission / NDIS Quality and Safeguards

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

TRA / VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units16 units

CHCCCS031

Provide individualised support

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to organise, provide and monitor personal support services for a person within the limits established by an individualised plan.

CHCCCS038

Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support, and to deliver rights-based services using a person-centred approach. It should be carried out in conjunction with individualised plans.

CHCCCS040

Support independence and wellbeing

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide individualised services in ways that support independence, as well as physical and emotional wellbeing.

CHCCCS041

Recognise healthy body systems

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about healthy body systems and the impacts of ageing and disability.

CHCCOM005

Communicate and work in health or community services

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

CHCLEG001

Work legally and ethically

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role.

HLTINF006

Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply basic infection prevention and control principles in work settings including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to risks.

HLTWHS002

Follow safe work practices for direct client care

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for a worker to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others in work environments that involve caring directly for clients. It has a focus on maintaining safety of the worker, the people being supported and other community members.

CHCAGE007

Recognise and report risk of falls

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work in partnership with a person and their family, carer or others identified by the person to recognise and report the risk of falls.

CHCAGE011

Provide support to people living with dementia

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide person-centred care and support to people living with dementia. It involves following an established individualised plan.

CHCAGE013

Work effectively in aged care

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work effectively in an aged care work context. The unit covers meeting job requirements, complying with organisational requirements and working in an aged care sector context.

CHCCCS001

Address the needs of people with chronic disease

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine and address specific issues faced by people who have a chronic disease, in the context of contributing to a holistic approach to support.

CHCCCS033

Identify and report abuse

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify signs of abuse, including suspected abuse or allegations of abuse, take appropriate action according to role and responsibilities and minimise the risk of abuse to a person.

CHCPAL003

Deliver care services using a palliative approach

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide care for people with life-limiting illness and those within the normal ageing process using a palliative approach, as well as end-of-life care.

HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) cost?

The course fees vary depending on your eligibility. It is available for $0 under the Fee-Free TAFE government initiative for eligible students, $75 for concession holders, $255 for subsidised students, $4,695 as the full fee, and $6,800 for international students.

Do I need to complete work placement as part of this course?

Yes, you will be required to undertake 120 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting as part of the course requirements.

Where can I study this course and what are the available start dates?

The course is available at multiple campuses including South Bank, Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville - Pimlico, and Caboolture. Intake dates include 13 July 2026 and 27 January 2027 depending on campus.

What jobs can I get after completing this qualification?

Graduates can work in aged care and/or home and community care in roles such as Personal Care Worker, Personal Carer, Direct Care Worker, Home Help Worker, Support Worker, and Respite Care Worker.

Can I study this course online?

Yes, the course is available as 'Online with on campus practical training' (80% online, 20% on campus) at Caboolture, or as 'On campus with some online' (80% on campus, 20% online) at other campuses. Most study modes are teacher-led and scheduled, with Zoom used for virtual sessions.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $45,000 to $58,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $58,000 to $68,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $68,000 to $80,000 per year

Career Paths

Aged Care WorkerDisability Support WorkerPersonal Care Assistant (PCA)Home Care WorkerCommunity Care Worker

Key Skills

Providing person-centred care and individualised supportAssisting clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) including hygiene, mobility, and mealsCommunicating effectively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary care teamsSupporting the independence and wellbeing of older people and people with disabilityRecognising and responding to signs of cognitive decline, dementia, and mental health issues

Full Course Overview

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