Diploma of Community Services

Age Requirement All international students must be at least 18 years of age or above at the time of course commencement. Academic Requirements International students applying for this qualification either off-shore or on-shore will need satisfactory completion of the equivalent of Australian Year 12 or Certificate IV or higher qualification. Physical Requirements The Diploma of Community Services includes mandatory Work Placement Arrangements (WPA) to provide learners with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the practical skills required to work effectively in community service settings. As the qualification prepares students to support individuals, families, and communities in diverse and sometimes challenging environments, learners must possess the physical and emotional capacity to perform a range of tasks safely and professionally. This may include conducting client interviews, participating in outreach activities, supporting individuals in community programs, and maintaining accurate case documentation. While the physical demands are generally moderate, learners should be able to manage extended periods of standing or sitting, travel to community sites, and engage in face-to-face client interaction. Prior to commencing placement, students must meet compliance requirements such as a current National Police Check, Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening (where applicable), and up-to-date immunisation records. These measures ensure the safety and readiness of learners for workplace environments and support the achievement of industry-relevant competency. English Language Requirements To enrol into this course with Blue Lotus College, international students, applying either off-shore or on-shore, must satisfy one of the following requirements: Either a minimum IELTS test score of 6 or equivalent for direct entry into a VET course; or, IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent with an ELICOS course (up to 10 weeks) to be taken before the main VET course; or, IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent with an ELICOS course (up to 20 weeks) to be taken before the main VET course. Results more than two years old are not acceptable. OR Evidence that they have studied in English for at least five years in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or United States. OR Evidence that, within two years of their application date, they have successfully completed in Australia and in the English language, either the senior secondary certificate of education or a substantial component of a course leading to a qualification from Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while they held a student visa. OR If the applicants have completed Year 11 in any of the Australian Secondary School, They will meet the English language requirements to study the VET Course at Blue Lotus College. Please note that Blue Lotus College will also accept equivalent test results from the following specified English Language Tests: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), and TOEFL PBT. *On 26 July 2023 the TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) stopped offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes. A score for a TOEFL iBT test taken on or after 26 July 2023 will no longer satisfy the English language requirement for Student visa purposes. Only TOEFL iBT scores from a test taken on or before 25 July 2023 are accepted for Student visa purposes. **From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. Test scores for both C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests, taken before 12 February 2024, within the specified validity period are still accepted. Pre-Training Review All student will undergo pre-training review which aims to identify their training needs through questions on previous education or training, relevance of the courses to student, basic computing skills and interview conducted by enrolment officer. PTR will be organised upon receiving student application both from onshore and offshore. Interview also aims to identify suitability of the course, possible RPL opportunities and confirm oral communication skills. Through pre-training review student will demonstrate that they have necessary skills to successfully complete the course. Computer Literacy Requirement Students are required to have basic computer skills including operating MS-word and doing research on the Internet as all the courses require students to make reports in MS word, Excel, PowerPoint Presentation, etc. Student should have ability to use internet and access to PDF application. Materials and Equipment Requirement Although Blue Lotus College will provide access to computers/laptops with required resources during classroom hours however to work on assignments and tasks for self-study, all learners are expected to bring a laptop with the Windows 10 operating system or higher. Students must have an active email address for communication and be contactable by phone (mobile or landline) and by mail (postal address). All learners are expected to have access to MS office applications such as Microsoft Word, an email platform such as Microsoft. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) RPL is available for each unit of competency based on relevant workplace experience, formal training, and/or other expertise. To apply for RPL, please discuss with our student support team or your trainer/assessor. Credit Transfer You can be granted Credit Transfer for completed parts, or all, of an accredited qualification, with equivalent units. Please discuss this at the time of enrolment.