Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
Course Overview
Create a significant impact as a disability support or aged care worker by delivering personalised support to empower clients in achieving their goals and participating in their community. The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional care. This comprehensive course prepares you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the elderly and individuals with disabilities, whether in a residential setting or within the community. It includes a Work Placement component, providing hands-on experience and building confidence in your caregiving abilities.
What you'll learn
You will learn to:
- Assist with domestic duties and personal care, ensuring clients' well-being and comfort
- Support clients' social and emotional health in a nurturing environment
- Ensure client safety and mobility
- Help clients navigate the NDIS system and access vital services
- Empower clients to achieve independence and personal growth
- Build supportive relationships with carers and families
This course prepares you to provide compassionate care and comprehensive support, making a positive impact in the lives of individuals in the aging and disability sectors.
What's Included?
By choosing Upskilled's CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability), you'll gain access to resources that enhance your online learning experience, making it interactive and engaging:
- Specialist Trainers: Learn from experts with decades of industry experience.
- Student Support: Get help from our dedicated Australian-based support team.
- MyUpskilled Platform: Access course materials through our customised learning platform.
- LinkedIn Learning: Enjoy video tutorials from industry leaders.
- Industry-Relevant Learning: Access top vendor content like Microsoft and prepare for certifications.
- Health Job Portal: Connect directly with employers seeking your new skills.
Introducing the Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal
Dive into a world of career opportunities in healthcare, community support, and aged care with Upskilled's dedicated platform. Connect directly with leading employers who value your skills and passion for making a difference. Our streamlined platform lets you personalise your job search, explore targeted courses to boost your career readiness, and find flexible employment options that fit your lifestyle. Join the Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal today to start shaping a brighter future.
Studying with Upskilled
What's Included?
By choosing Upskilled's Upskilled's CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability), you'll gain access to resources that enhance your online learning experience, making it interactive and engaging:
Modules
To satisfy the requirements of this qualification, you'll need to complete the following units of competency.
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. This unit applies to all workers. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
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. This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers. This unit applies to a range of health and community service contexts where workers may communicate face-to-face, in writing or using digital media and work with limited responsibility under direct or indirect supervision.
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. This unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, in both centre-based and home-based service provision.
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. It includes recognising and reporting any changes in healthy bodies involving people who are ageing or living with disability. Any identified issues of concern to be reported to the supervisor or professional health staff. This unit applies to workers across a range of community services contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. This unit applies to individuals who work with older people in a range of community services and health contexts. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and is carried out under regular direct, indirect or remote supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. This unit applies to workers in a residential or community context. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and is carried out under regular direct, indirect or remote supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist with supporting people with disability in community participation and social inclusion using a person-centred approach. This involves enabling people to make choices to maximise their participation in various community settings, functions and activities to enhance psychosocial wellbeing and lifestyle in accordance with the person’s needs and preferences. This unit applies to workers in varied disability services contexts. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and may be carried out under regular direct, indirect or remote supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. The individualised plan refers to the support or service provision plan developed for the person accessing the service and may have different names in different organisations. This unit applies to workers who provide care or support under direct, indirect or remote supervision. Work is carried out in a manner which supports independence as well as the physical and emotional wellbeing of the person receiving support. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. This unit applies to workers in varied care and support contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide individualised services in ways that support independence, as well as physical and emotional wellbeing. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services contexts who provide frontline support services within the context of an established individualised plan. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. This unit applies to individuals working in a range of industry and work setting contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a disability support work context. The unit covers meeting job requirements, complying with organisational requirements and working in a disability sector context. This unit applies to individuals who work with people with disability in a range of community services and health contexts. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and will be carried out under regular direct or indirect supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist with supporting the ongoing skill development of a person with disability. It involves following and contributing to an established individualised plan and using a positive, strengths-based approach. This unit applies to individuals who work with people with disability in a range of community services and health contexts. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and may be carried out under regular direct or indirect supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. This unit applies to workers in a residential or community context, including family homes. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and may be carried out under direct, indirect or remote supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Career Outcomes
Possible Careers
Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue the following career outcomes.
Industry Outlook
Discover why Community Services is a vital and rewarding field, making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Annual Employment Growth
30,200
Median Age
41
Payment Options
Government funding
At both a state and federal level, government commitment to upskilling the Australian workforce has resulted in a comprehensive framework of funding schemes and incentive opportunities. As a result, many Upskilled participants are provided incentives by the Government to undertake training and/or find that their courses are heavily subsidised.
Government funding options for:
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
Major schemes include:
An Upskilled education consultant will contact you within 48 hours
Our Trainers
Upskilled Community Service trainers are industry professionals with extensive experience and expertise, dedicated to providing practical, hands-on learning. They are committed to helping students develop the skills to succeed in the impactful and evolving community services industry.
Hear from our past students
Recently started the Diploma of Counselling. Can't thank Upskilled and all staff enough. I was hesitant.at first but it was always something i have wanted to do. Have been involved in education and it has been a part of the job but have always wanted to do it as a profession. The education staff have been so supportive and instructional creating a great learning and interactive environment. Looking forward to studying more and making mistakes as thats how I learn and progress.
Special thank you to Jo one of the Education Consultants. He was informative. friendly, knowledgeable about the course and study. Didn't feel pressured just helped me navigate options and left it up to me to decide. So glad he rang after I expressed interest in commencing studies again after a long time.
My Experience with upskilled's coordinator Mr Ronnie, is absolutely amazing, his such a great teacher and his explanation in regarding the course are very clear and very helpful. Since I started he was always there when needed help with the course. Mr Ronnie makes you understand how to reach your goal of understanding of each session and the progress is very successful. Keep up with the good work Ronnie, and i recommend Upskilled's and Ronnie to every student and do not hesitate to contact all staff there as there a very grateful and will attend helping you straight away. One more think, I wouldn't be able to do this with out you (Ronnie) helping and supporting me, overall his fantastic. I look forward to the next meeting.
I really enjoyed studying the Diploma in Counselling this was such a great course. I loved the interaction with people and learning new aspects of counselling. I have learnt so much that going onto the next faze of my studying will help me tremendously after doing this course.
My trainer Ronnie was very supportive and helpful and was always available when needed, he offered great feedback and encouraged role playing as much as possible.
How to enrol
What you need to know
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. To make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:
- Once you have inquired, one of our friendly Education Consultants will contact you to ensure you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification.
- A short language, literacy and numeracy assessment will need to be completed upon enrolment.
Recommended Skills and Resources:
- Have the ability to read and write in English and display numeracy skills up to a minimum level of Year 10.
- Have access to a modern computer with high-speed internet.
- Have access to a device with audio/video recording and playback capabilities.
- Have basic computing skills, including the ability to make and upload short videos.
Self-Paced Learning and Course Duration
Upskilled's flexible, self-paced courses let you balance personal and work schedules. With a training plan to keep you on track, most students complete the course in 12-18 months, but motivated learners can finish faster. Speak with an Education Consultant to discuss your study and completion goals.
Assessment
This course will have you undertake summative and formative assessments, write reports and/or create a portfolio, and participate in role-playing scenarios. You'll also be working on a variety of projects that require your own research as well as answering various written/oral questions that apply the theory you learn into practice.
Work Placement
For the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), the work placement requirements are as follows:
If you are currently working in the disability industry, you are required to undertake a period of at least 120 hours of direct support work in at least one aged care, home and community, disability, or community service organisation, focusing on activities specified for CHCCCS040 - Support independence and wellbeing.
If you are not currently working in the disability industry, you are required to complete an additional ten (10) hours of work placement in addition to the 120 hours. This extra placement provides you with the opportunity to practice the specific skills required in the disability industry.
Be sure to check out our Industry Partners if you need further assistance in sourcing a host organisation for work placement.
Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit Transfer
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) with supporting evidence of prior education or work experience. This can reduce your study load or course duration. Speak with your Education Consultant before enrolment for details, or download the application from MyUpskilled after enrolment. A trainer will assess your eligibility.
Role-Playing and Interactive Learning Activities
This course comes with Interactive Learning Activities. Upskilled understands the importance of practical experience, so to complement the theory components of your course, our specialist trainers may run ad-hoc Interactive Learning Activities.
You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with other students - sharing questions, thoughts and ideas, as well as participating together in interactive learning activities.
While the Interactive Learning Activities are not mandatory, your participation is encouraged. You can receive some additional benefits and support, which may include:
- Having a study buddy where you can bounce off ideas and help each other with assessments.
- Online Classrooms where our specialist trainers can go over learning content that's part of your course.
- Activities that relate to your assessments, which can help boost your knowledge and skills.
Additionally, role-playing is included in some of the learning areas of this course. It will also make up some of the practical elements of your assessments, including the assessments in your work placement.
Dedicated Community Service Trainers
Upskilled's community services trainers bring comprehensive skills and industry experience to prepare you for a rewarding career. They approach training with empathy, compassion, and openness, helping you develop job-ready skills. Support includes recorded assessment walkthroughs, academic support sessions, additional resources, professional development opportunities, peer support, practical practice sessions via Zoom, and online recorded training.
Requirements for work placement
This qualification will have you undertake work placement at a nominated host organisation approved by Upskilled.
Work placement has been specifically designed to help prepare you for potential career outcomes, giving you the opportunity to further implement and gain practical skills and valuable industry insights through a real-life workplace.
Your work placement will commence once you have completed most of the theory components of your course.
Here are some key requirements you should be aware of for the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability):
If you are currently working in the disability industry, you are required to undertake a period of at least 120 hours of direct support work in at least one aged care, home and community, disability, or community service organisation, focusing on activities specified for CHCCCS040 - Support independence and wellbeing.
If you are not currently working in the disability industry, you are required to complete an additional ten (10) hours of work placement in addition to the 120 hours. This extra placement provides you with the opportunity to practice the specific skills required in the disability industry.
- It is your responsibility to source a suitable host organisation for work placement. Please note that this can take up to several weeks, so it is recommended to allocate sufficient time when sourcing host suitable organisations.
- If you are unable to locate a host organisation, Upskilled's Work Placement Officer can assist you in finding one. Please note that it is required to provide Upskilled with a list of host organisations who have declined your requests for work placement via MyUpskilled.
- Once you have successfully secured work placement with a host organisation, you will need to complete the Work Placement Agreement Form and submit via MyUpskilled. Please note that Upskilled must approve the Work Placement Agreement before you start your work placement.
To meet the work placement requirements for this course, you may need to undertake placement within 2 organisations to allow exposure to both residential aged care and community care settings.
When am I eligible to commence work placement?
You will be eligible to commence work placement if you have met the following requirements:
- Submitted the relevant approved Clearance Checks
- Unlocked the Work Placement Module via MyUpskilled
- Received approval from Upskilled for your submission of the Work Placement Agreement Form
>What happens if I'm already working in the industry?
If you are currently employed in the industry relevant to your qualification, you may be able to complete your work placement assessment requirements within your own workplace and may not need to source for a suitable host organisation.
You will need to submit a Work Placement Agreement Form via MyUpskilled with the details of your employer and Workplace Supervisor. Please note that Upskilled must approve the Work Placement Agreement Form before you commence your work placement.
What clearance checks and documentation do I need for work placement?
Requirements vary from state-to-state. Please see below the required documentation and clearance checks needed by Upskilled and host organisations.
If you live in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, NT and WA, you will need:
- Working with Children Check
- National Police Check
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
If you live in ACT and TAS, you will need:
- Working with Vulnerable People Check
- National Police Check
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
Fees may apply when obtaining some of the clearance checks. It is a mandatory requirement that you apply for the relevant checks and submit your approved checks via MyUpskilled within the first 2 months of your course start date.
You will also need to supply your cover letter and curriculum vitae if you require assistance from Upskilled’s Work Placement Officer.
Upskilled reserves the right to transfer you to another course which work placement is not a mandatory requirement or cancel your enrolment if you have not obtained and submitted the required clearance checks.
How will I be assessed?
An Upskilled Assessor will liaise with your host organisation's Workplace Supervisor to review and validate your practical skill ability. For certain tasks, you will need to demonstrate your skills through video recordings and when necessary, through simulated activities which will be assessed by your Upskilled Assessor.
Please note that to successfully complete the work placement component of this qualification, you will need to be reasonably fit to undertake a variety of tasks and activities that may involve manual lifting, kneeling on the floor and other physical activities.
FAQs
An individual support worker provides assistance and care to people who need support due to ageing, disability, or other health-related issues. Their responsibilities include helping clients with daily activities such as personal hygiene, mobility, meal preparation, and medication management. They also offer emotional support, promote independence, and ensure clients' safety and wellbeing.
To prepare for the Certificate III in Individual Support course, you can:
- Develop basic literacy and numeracy skills.
- Gain some volunteer or work experience in a care or community setting.
- Familiarise yourself with the aged care and disability sectors.
- Research the course structure and requirements.
- Prepare for the potential need to undergo police and working with children checks.
Common challenges faced by students include:
- Balancing study with work and personal commitments.
- Managing the practical placement requirements.
- Understanding and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
- Keeping up with the coursework and assessments.
The average study load for this course can vary based on the mode of study. Typically, students may need to dedicate around 10-15 hours per week for study, including attending classes, completing assignments, and participating in practical placements.
With a Certificate III in Individual Support, you can pursue various roles, including:
- Aged Care Worker
- Disability Support Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
- Community Care Worker
- Residential Support Worker
The demand for professionals with a Certificate III in Individual Support is high, particularly due to the growing ageing population and increased need for disability support services. The healthcare and social assistance sectors are among the largest and fastest-growing industries in Australia.
The key differences between face-to-face and online learning for this course include:
- Face-to-face learning: Offers direct interaction with trainers and peers, structured classroom environments, and hands-on practical sessions.
- Online learning: Provides flexibility to study at your own pace and from any location, access to online resources and virtual classrooms, and the ability to balance study with other commitments. Practical placements are still required and arranged locally.
Both learning modes aim to deliver the same quality of education and meet the course requirements.
The Certificate III in Individual Support offers several specialisations, including:
- Ageing: Focuses on supporting elderly individuals.
- Disability: Focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Ageing and Disability: Focuses on providing care and support for elderly and individuals with disability
Community workers provide a range of services such as personal care, domestic assistance, social support, and transportation to individuals living in the community.
The Certificate III in Individual Support is an entry-level qualification focused on providing practical skills and knowledge for aged care and disability support roles. Compared to other healthcare qualifications, it is more specialised and targeted towards direct care roles. Higher-level qualifications, such as a Certificate IV or Diploma in a related field, may offer more advanced skills and knowledge, opening up further career opportunities in healthcare and management roles.