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  4. Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
SCHOOL STUDENTS

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)


 National Code: CHC33021
 TAFE SA Code: TP01384


Course Type: School Students

2026 start

Description

TAFE SA's courses for school students are designed for students in Year 11 to Year 12. They provide the opportunity to learn specific industry skills and gain credit towards a nationally recognised qualification, all while students undertake their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Individual support workers play a vital role in helping to meet the needs of our ageing population. They are empathetic, patient and detail-oriented carers who assist in promoting the wellbeing and independence of older people. The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is a course teaching the theory, skills and practices required to begin a rewarding career in the aged care sector. This course provides skills for work primarily undertaken in residential aged care facilities under direct or regular supervision within clearly defined organisational policies, guidelines and service delivery plans. It is also accepted by various community-based service providers. Further study pathways include: Diploma in Nursing (HLT54121).
Duration
SACE Credits
Example Career Profile
Print Course Page
18 month

Part Time

Up to 100 Stage 2 Credits
Aged or Disabilities Carer
Aged or Disabilities Carer
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Campus / Location
Study Mode
Study Load
Commences
Scheduled
Application
Barossa Valley
On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Part Time Part Time
Semester 1 CommencementSemester 1
Day Only Day Only
How To Apply
Murray Bridge
On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Part Time Part Time
Semester 1 CommencementSemester 1
Day Only Day Only
How To Apply
Mount Gambier
On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Part Time Part Time
Semester 1 CommencementSemester 1
Day Only Day Only
How To Apply

Icon Legend

On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

You must be a school student undertaking SACE or equivalent, and meet the Flexible Industry Program eligibility criteria.

Course Delivery

  • Delivered one day per week over 60 weeks (18 months),
  • Dates, times, course units and training plans may vary for each delivery location,
  • Please note that 120 hours of work placement is required in addition to the listed course delivery,
  • Not all units are offered during regular school hours and students may need to attend classes outside of school hours.
    Placement may occur during school holidays,
  • The course is recommended for students to commence in Year 11,
  • Year 12 students are welcome to apply however will not complete the qualification by end of Year 12 which may impact SACE and ATAR,
  • Please see additional information about requirements for vaccinations and National Police/DHS screening prior to placement,
  • It is recommended that students do not have a full study band at school if they wish to also study this qualification at TAFE SA,
  • At times, some courses may be combined with adults and/or apprentice classes,
  • Applications to study at a Technical College may require an alternative application process.
    Please contact the relevant Technical College for full details.

Additional Information

Prior to Vocational Placements students will be required to pay for a National Police Check. Refer to SAPOL website for current pricing - www.police.sa.gov.au. DHS and NDIS Screening check is free for School students undertaking work placement. There is a $35 incidentals fee for a TAFE SA shirt to wear during work placement. Additional costs are required to meet vaccination requirements. Prior to placement allocation students must provide evidence of full immunisation status including, but not limited to COVID-19 and Flu Vaccinations, as per the Immunisation for Healthcare Workers in South Australia Policy Directive.

Fees

Total Fees for the 18 month course
Subsidised co-payment
$1,525 - $1,530

Subsidised training will require applicants to meet eligibility criteria.

Fees may vary for each delivery location, depending on the subjects being offered, and are subject to change.

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (CHC33021)
    This course covers independence and wellbeing, communication, working with diverse people, legal and ethical requirements, healthy body systems and safe work practices. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 9 core units and 6 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control 35
    Communicate and work in health or community services 30
    Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support 120
    Follow safe work practices for direct client care 25
    Provide individualised support 100
    Recognise healthy body systems 80
    Support independence and wellbeing 80
    Work legally and ethically 55
    Work with diverse people 40

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Deliver care services using a palliative approach 70
    Provide First Aid 18
    Provide support to people living with dementia 80
    Recognise and report risk of falls 30
    Support relationships with carer and family 70
    Work effectively in aged care 65

Further Information

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

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