CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)

The entry qualification for working in aged care, in people's homes, in the community and in residential facilities. The Ageing specialisation takes the Certificate III in Individual Support core and points every elective at supporting older people: dementia care, working effectively in aged care settings, and personal care done with dignity.

Aged care is one of the most reliable employers in Far North Queensland, and providers consistently need trained staff. Our students complete 120 hours of placement with real providers, including palliative and dementia care, and placements regularly turn into job offers before the course is finished.

Fees and funding

Eligible Queenslanders study this course under the Career Start program at the subsidised co-contribution fee shown above. Check your eligibility. Done as a traineeship while employed in aged care, it is fee-free for eligible trainees. Full-fee study with a payment plan is available if you're not eligible for funding.

What you'll learn

The nine core units build the foundations every support worker needs: providing individualised, person-centred support, recognising healthy body systems, communicating in health and community services, working legally and ethically, infection prevention, and safe manual handling for direct client care. Your electives then focus on ageing, including supporting people living with dementia and working effectively in aged care.

Entry requirements

A short language, literacy and numeracy check before enrolment, a current police certificate, and the vaccinations your placement provider requires. No previous qualification needed.

Where it leads

Personal care assistant, home care assistant, community care worker, residential aged care worker. The natural next step is the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support, subsidised under Career Boost for eligible students, or a targeted skill set like Individual Support - Ageing.