CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support

This is the qualification that gets you working in care. It prepares you to support people who need help because of ageing, disability or other reasons, in their homes, in the community and in residential settings, following each person's individualised support plan.

It's practical from the first week. You train in a small group with an experienced trainer, practise the physical skills (manual handling, infection control, personal care), and then complete 120 hours of vocational placement with a real provider. Placement is where most of our students are offered their first job; we arrange it with you rather than leaving you to find it.

Choosing your focus

CHC33021 can be completed with a general elective mix, or as a specialisation. We deliver all of them. Pick the page that matches where you want to work:

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing): aged care, home care and residential facilities
• Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability): NDIS and disability support services
• This page covers the base qualification, keeping both doors open.

Fees and funding

Eligible Queenslanders study this course under the Career Start program. See the fee table above and check your eligibility. Completing it as a traineeship while employed in care work is fee-free for eligible trainees. Without funding, the full course fee applies and payment plans are available. Every figure, concessional and non-concessional, is shown before you enrol.

What you'll learn

Nine core units cover person-centred support, empowerment, healthy body systems, communication in health and community services, working with diverse people, legal and ethical practice, infection prevention and safe direct-care work. Six electives shape your specialisation, from dementia and palliative care through to disability support and mental health.

Entry requirements

You'll complete a short language, literacy and numeracy check before enrolment so we can put the right support around you. It's not a pass or fail exam. You'll need a current police certificate at enrolment and the vaccinations your placement provider requires. You don't need any previous qualification.

Where it leads

Graduates work as personal care assistants, home care and community support workers, disability support workers and residential care workers. From there, many step up to the Certificate IV in Ageing Support or Certificate IV in Disability Support. Both are subsidised under Career Boost for eligible students.