Certificate III in Individual Support
CHC33021
Length
1 Year (full time)
2 Years (part time)
Location
Benalla - Bridge Street, Online Campus, Seymour - Wallis Street, Shepparton - Fryers Street, Wangaratta - Docker Street
Study Mode
Online Classes & Face to face Workshops
On Campus & Online
Workplace & On Campus
Online Classes & Workplace Training
On Campus
Certificate III in Individual Support - CHC33021
Course Overview
Pursue a career in healthcare, aged care and/or disability support, putting your empathy and people skills to work with the Certificate III in Individual Support. This prepares students to work with elderly and/or people living with disabilities in a community or residential setting.
Once qualified students will have the knowledge and skills to work under supervision as a part of a multi-disciplinary team, following an individualised plan to provide person-centred support to people who may require support due to ageing, disability or some other reason.
Working on the job graduates will be equipped to provide person-centered support, guided by the client's behavioural support plan, individual support plan, and personal goals and aspirations.
This course has two specialisations - disability, and ageing. General public students can choose to enrol in one stream (only available in Shepparton), or both - in which they'll come away with a dual specialisation.
This course is currently available as part of the Free TAFE scheme but is subject to eligibility requirements and may change in the future.
This information relates to 2025 course delivery. If required, students will be notified of 2024 course information and fees during the onboarding process.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
- Aged and Disability Residential Support Worker
- Aged Support Worker
- Disability Support Worker
- In-Home Respite Worker
- Accommodation Support Worker
- Community care Worker
- Care/Client Assistant
- Care Worker
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:
- CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support
- CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Benalla - Bridge Street
(3 commencing soon)
Open From: 21-Sep-2024 - School Based Apprentice or Trainee - Part time - 9.00am - 4.00pm - Online Classes & Face to face Workshops
Disability & Ageing - Monday's Online - Starts On: 28-Jan-2025 - Full time - Monday & Wednesday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 14-Jan-2025
Disability & Ageing - Monday's Online - Starts On: 21-Jul-2025 - Full time - Monday & Wednesday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 07-Jul-2025
Mansfield
(1 commencing soon)
Disability & Ageing - Starts On: 04-Feb-2025 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 14-Jan-2025
Online Campus
(4 commencing soon)
Ageing - Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - Traineeship - Part time - Various - Workplace & On Campus
Disability - Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - Traineeship - Part time - Various - Workplace & On Campus
Disability - Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - School Based Apprentice or Trainee - Part time - Various - Online Classes & Workplace Training
Ageing - Open From: 28-Jan-2025 - School Based Apprentice or Trainee - Part time - Various - Online Classes & Workplace Training
Seymour - Wallis Street
(4 commencing soon)
Ageing - Open From: 21-Sep-2024 - Traineeship - Part time - 9.00am - 4.00pm - Workplace & On Campus
Disabilty Groups - Open From: 21-Sep-2024 - Traineeship - Part time - 9.00am - 4.00pm - Workplace & On Campus
Disability & Ageing - Starts On: 11-Feb-2025 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 21-Jan-2025
Disability & Ageing - Starts On: 10-Jun-2025 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 26-May-2025
Shepparton - Fryers Street
(8 commencing soon)
Open From: 21-Sep-2024 - Traineeship - Part time - 9.00am - 4.00pm - Workplace & On Campus
Disability & Ageing - Starts On: 03-Mar-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 17-Feb-2025
Ageing - Starts On: 03-Mar-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 17-Feb-2025
Disability - Starts On: 03-Mar-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 17-Feb-2025
Disability & Ageing - Starts On: 14-Aug-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 24-Jul-2025
Disability - Starts On: 14-Aug-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 24-Jul-2025
Ageing - Starts On: 14-Aug-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 24-Jul-2025
Disability & Ageing - Starts On: 14-Aug-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 24-Jul-2025
Wangaratta - Docker Street
(3 commencing soon)
Disability & Ageing - Monday's Online - Starts On: 28-Jan-2025 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 14-Jan-2025
Disability & Ageing - Monday's Online - Starts On: 21-Jul-2025 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 07-Jul-2025
Disability & Ageing - Starts On: 14-Aug-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus - Applications Close: 24-Jul-2025
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 15 units: 9 core and 6 elective.
Core units
9 unit(s)
- CHCCCS031 Provide individualised support
- CHCCCS038 Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
- CHCCCS040 Support independence and wellbeing
- CHCCCS041 Recognise healthy body systems
- CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
- HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
- HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Elective units
11 unit(s)
- CHCAGE007 Recognise and report risk of falls
- CHCAGE011 Provide support to people living with dementia
- CHCAGE013 Work effectively in aged care
- CHCCCS035 Support people with autism spectrum disorder
- CHCCCS037 Visit client residence
- CHCDIS011 Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
- CHCDIS012 Support community participation and social inclusion
- CHCDIS020 Work effectively in disability support
- CHCPAL003 Deliver care services using a palliative approach
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
- HLTHPS006 Assist clients with medication
Attendance & commitment
General public face-to-face delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load
Dual specialisation, or single specialisation (only available in Shepparton)
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes on campus two days per week (6.5 hours per day).
- Seymour Campus: Monday and Tuesday.
- Shepparton Campus: Thursday and Friday.
- Spend approximately 15 hours per week working through their course materials research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Placement details:
- Disability and ageing dual specialisation: Complete 150 hours of placement, 75 hours at an aged care service, and 75 hours at a disability service.
- Disability single specialisation: Complete 120 hours of placement at a disability service. Placement occurs during a 4-week block.
- Ageing single specialisation: Complete 120 hours of placement at an aged care facility. Placement occurs during a 4-week block.
- Further placement details are outlined below.
General public blended delivery | 1-year course length | Full-time study load
Disability and ageing dual specialisation
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes one day virtually and one day on campus, 9am-4pm.
- Benalla Campus: Monday online, Wednesday on campus.
- Wangaratta Campus: Monday online, Tuesday on campus.
- Spend approximately 15 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Complete 150 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below
- Placement consists of 75 hours at an ageing service and 75 hours at a disability service.
School-based apprenticeship traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Disability or ageing single specialisation
Students are expected to:
- Attend virtual classes two days per month (6 hours per day for 20 days each year), times agreed upon with the trainer.
- Attend on-campus lab practical workshops (12 hours each year), times agreed upon with the trainer.
- Spend approximately 10 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times a year.
- Complete 120 mandated hours of placement requirements in their workplace (this is included in normal employment hours). This occurs over 7 hours per week in the student's place of work.
- Placement commences after the successful completion of the Work legally and ethically and Follow safe work practices for direct client care units.
Traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Disability or ageing single specialisation
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes on campus 4 days per year (6 hours per day)
- Spend approximately 10 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times a year.
- Complete 120 mandated hours of placement requirements in their workplace (this is included in normal employment hours).
- Placement commences after the successful completion of the Work legally and ethically and Follow safe work practices for direct client care units.
- All theory, simulation, and case study assessments are required to be satisfactorily completed prior to the commencement of any practical assessments within the workplace.
Placement
- Placement is organised by GOTAFE
- A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student, and the host provider and is signed prior to the commencement of placement.
- Each placement may involve shift work and hours will vary, depending on the placement host's requirements.
- Students may need to travel throughout regional Victoria.
- GOTAFE polo shirt is required to be worn during placement.
- 100% attendance is required for placement.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Written questions
- Case studies
- Observations & demonstrations
- Projects
- Roleplays
- Simulations
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.
Placement requirements
Before commencing placement, applicants will need:
- A current National Police Check with no disclosable outcomes.
- A current Working With Children’s Check
- Immunisation: COVID-19, Influenza, and Serology.
- NDIS Worker Screening Check if completing a placement in a disability service.
- A GOTAFE polo shirt must be worn on placement.
Inherent requirements
Students will need the psychological stamina to work night shifts, maintain adult hygiene, and demonstrate empathy and resilience required for working with vulnerable patients in a range of situations.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationary (pens, pencils, rulers).
- Recommended textbook: Individual Support in Australia: Ageing, Disability, Home and Community Care - TAFE NSW published 2016.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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