INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT COURSE

Although there are some entry-level roles that don’t require support worker qualifications, generally a Certificate III in Individual Support is fundamental for most disability care positions.

Generally, more opportunities become available after completing this support work course, and attention to further training and ongoing skills development will allow for greater career advancement.

There are many entry-level aged and disability care jobs that are open upon successful completion of this course. A few examples include personal home carer, respite worker, residential care worker and disability support worker.

While there are no mandated qualifications to begin work in entry level positions in the Community Services sector, completing a Certificate III in Individual Support is a great start. After completing this training course, you will be better qualified to begin applying for entry-level jobs, which are easily found on most job finder websites such as Seek or Indeed.

Yes, this course is extremely beneficial for NDIS support workers. Whether already working for the NDIS or considering it as a new career, successfully completing this course rewards students with the skills and experience they need to succeed as a support worker.

You do not need to take an NDIS worker screening check to enrol in this course. However, certain job roles that will be available to you after completion of your course may require one. Once you’ve received your Certificate III in Individual Support and are ready to start applying for relevant positions, potential future employers should state whether they need an NDIS screening check, or you can reach out to them if you’re not sure

In some circumstances. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency for this course as part of another qualification and are able to provide us with appropriate evidence, you may be not be required to retake those portions of the course. Please contact us to discuss this further, and we can help you determine whether your previous studies are acceptable for recognition of prior learning.

No. While a portion of your Certificate III in Individual Support course is completed online, practical training is essential for acquiring the required skill sets. As a result, online training or distance learning for this course is not available.

Another reason online training is not possible is because this course requires students to complete work placement in a real world setting. A simulated workplace environment is not an acceptable substitute for actual workplace training.

If you’re interested in evolving your Community Services career through ongoing skills development, further study is a valuable consideration. Healthcare is a diverse industry, and it’s not overly difficult to move into other roles or fields. Some areas of further study include the following:

• Manual handling. Healthcare offered requires moving patients safely, a skill taught in a manual handling courses.

• First aid. First aid provides a wide range of skills useful to disability support positions, as well as all other walks of life. CPR is one such notable skill.

• A blue card. A working with children check is essential to expanding your healthcare career to work with children. Please note this course is not offered through Skills Training College.

• A Certificate IV is the next step after a Certificate III level and an advanced diploma affords even more opportunities. Currently, Skills Training College does not offer any Certificate IV courses in healthcare.

Finding work, work placement, or volunteer opportunities in aged care or disability support varies based on your career goals. Online searches can help you identify care facilities where volunteers are in high demand, offering you an entry point into community services. Practical placement in a facility may lead to volunteer or employment opportunities. Your course trainer may also be able to point you in the right direction for work placement or employment opportunities.

Often, yes. However, the difficulty of aged care or disability support work varies based on an individual’s skills, experience, and the specific needs of the clients. Providing direct client care through established person-centred behaviour often requires patience, empathy, and the ability to provide physical and emotional support.

The work may involve assisting clients with daily activities, implementing care plans, helping support community participation, and promoting independence for people with disabilities. Additionally, the role may require flexibility and the capacity to handle challenging behaviors.

Working in community services is not for everyone. However, for someone truly empathetic and willing to make sacrifices, it is equally rewarding.

Yes. If you are already working in a role where undertaking such training could be considered self-education, upskilling, or necessary for maintaining your position, then this course may be considered tax deductible. Speak with your accountant, tax specialist, or other relevant professional body for further information.

The average salary for an aged care or disability support worker in Australia varies between employers. On average, disability support workers can expect a salary of around $36.73 per hour. The average annual salary for aged care workers ranges from $55,000 to $70,000.