Healthcare is a fast-expanding sector as the nation grapples with an ageing population and more people developing complex conditions.
Many older people or those living with a disability or chronic disorder need specialist support to allow them to live comfortably with health and independence. It takes highly skilled people to provide this support effectively – and that’s where having a formal qualification comes in.
With jobs in this industry expected to increase by 300,000 in the next two years, why not consider training to become an Individual Support worker and open yourself to extensive employment opportunities?
In this article, we explore the Certificate III in Individual Support course in-depth and look at the potential job pathways after completing this fundamental care industry qualification.
Table of contents:
- What is a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)?
- Key Information About the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
- What Key Skills do you Learn on the Course?
- Certificate III in Individual Support: Job Outcomes
- What Comes After Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)?
What is a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)?
Suppose you are looking to begin a rewarding career looking after people with disability or older people in the community. If this is you, a Certificate III in Individual Support is a great place to start.
As an entry-level qualification, a Certificate III in Individual Support teaches you all the basic skills required to support people in need physically and mentally so they can continue to live as independently as possible. Not only do these skills prepare you for work in the care sector, but they also give you the best chance possible of securing a job once your studies are completed.
On completing the course, students can seek specialist roles in either aged care or disability support.
Key Information About the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
Course duration: Average time to complete the course is 6 to 12 months
Study location: Online or at our campuses in Browns Plains and Caboolture
Course structure: 15 units (9 core and 6 elective), plus a practical work placement at an Approved Service
Entry requirements: We prefer students to obtain a minimum of a year 10 high school certificate or equivalent before studying this course.
Student selection takes various factors on board, including:
- A student’s individual needs and desired outcomes
- The ability and commitment of the student to complete the course
- Eligibility requirements listed in the applicable National Training Package
- Existing ability in the ACSF core skills (learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy)
What Key Skills do you Learn on the Course?
Working in the care sector can be challenging as you support some of society’s most needy. Yet it is hugely gratifying, too!
A Level III qualification ensures you are properly equipped to care for people effectively so the individuals you support gain what they need from their time with you.
The core units on this course cover several essential skills for supporting people in the community. On top of practical skills – like preventing and controlling infection and applying safe work practices – you will learn soft skills to help with communication, working legally and ethically, and ways to empower the people you support.
The elective units allow you to focus on your preferred specialisation, teaching you everything you need to know about working effectively in aged care or disability support. You will also learn how to deliver care services using a palliative approach and provide support to people living with dementia.
Learn more about Certificate III in Individual Support
Certificate III in Individual Support: Job Outcomes
This nationally recognised qualification is ideal for those pursuing a caregiving career in Australia. It includes comprehensive training and real-world experience in supporting aged and disabled individuals, opening a range of career opportunities in this fast-growing sector.
After successfully completing the Certificate III in Individual Support, you will be qualified for numerous jobs in the care sector, including these ones:
| Aged Care Support Roles | Disability Support Roles |
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What Comes After Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)?
Completing Certificate III in Individual Support offers so much more than a baseline for your career in care work. It serves as a solid foundation for further professional development, too.
While many students complete the certificate and head straight to the employment market, others choose to further their studies. Anybody looking to gain advanced care skills, take on an administrative role, or even senior roles like a team leader, supervisor, officer or manager, may want to complete one of the following courses:
- Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- Certificate IV in Disability
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
The Certificate IV courses above are available at Collaboration Learning, learning online with face-to-face study support in our student hubs at Browns Plains and Caboolture.
Study the Certificate III in Individual Support in Disability or Ageing with Queensland’s leading RTO, Collaboration Learning.
Enjoy funded courses and flexible study with expert trainers.
Start your future career in aged care and disability support today!
