Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) (VIC Only)
- Location
- Online
- Study Mode
- Online, Workplace
- Awarded by
- Swinburne Open Education (RTO: 3059)
- Qualification
- Certificate III
- Course Fee
- Price may vary
- Duration
- Up to 18 months
- Start Date
- Enquire now for upcoming start dates
- Payment Options
- Payment plan, Upfront payment
About the Course
The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), offered by Swinburne Open Education, is a nationally recognised qualification designed for those seeking a meaningful career in the aged care and disability support sectors. Awarded by Swinburne University of Technology (RTO 3059) and available exclusively to students in Victoria, this course is delivered entirely online with mandatory Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA) placements, allowing students to balance study with work and personal commitments. The course can be completed in up to 18 months, with a recommended study commitment of at least 15 hours per week. The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) covers a broad range of learning areas essential to working in individualised care. Students develop skills in supporting client independence and wellbeing, communicating effectively with people across diverse needs and conditions, and working within the legal and ethical frameworks of the sector. Key areas of study include understanding body systems, infection prevention and control, safe work practices, and providing support to people living with dementia, disability, or requiring palliative care. The course comprises 16 online modules covering 15 units of competency, including both core and elective units, and incorporates a minimum of 127 hours of work placement completed across two structured blocks. Assessment throughout the course takes a variety of forms, including short answer questions, case studies, projects, reflection reports, video role plays, portfolios, logbooks, and direct observation in the workplace or a simulated environment. Students are supported by experienced trainers and assessors through the online learning platform, with one-on-one video calls available as needed. Courses are delivered and assessed by UP Education, one of the larger private education groups operating in the Asia-Pacific region. This qualification suits those who are at least 18 years of age, hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or residency, and possess a reasonable level of physical fitness suited to practical care work. Enquire to learn more about whether this course is the right fit.
What can I do after?
Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) from Swinburne Open Education, awarded by Swinburne University of Technology. This nationally recognised qualification prepares graduates to work directly with people in aged care and disability support settings. Roles that graduates may pursue include aged or disability carer, support worker, and personal care aide. These roles involve supporting clients’ independence and wellbeing, applying safe work practices, and delivering individualised care across a range of settings and needs, including dementia care, disability support, and palliative care. The course combines online study with a minimum of 127 hours of structured workplace learning and assessment, giving graduates practical, hands-on experience before entering the workforce. Employment in the aged and disability care sector has been projected to grow significantly, reflecting strong and ongoing demand for skilled support workers across Australia (National Skills Commission Employment Projections to 2025).
What are the fees?
Please enquire for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you’ll need
To be eligible to study this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements: Students must be at least 18 years old and/or, Must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or resident and/or, A reasonable level of physical fitness is an inherent requirement of this course, as students must be able to perform practical workplace tasks within an individual support setting. This may include providing physical assistance to clients, supporting mobility, standing or moving for extended periods, and responding safely to workplace situations in accordance with individual support and workplace safety requirements and/or, Intermediate computer skills are required, including the ability to create, save and edit Microsoft Office documents, access and search the internet, download and save documents from websites, upload documents through websites, and create videos and/or, Students must meet any workplace compliance requirements requested by the host organisation, which may include Police Checks, Working with Children Checks, NDIS Worker Screening Checks, vaccination requirements or other workplace-specific clearances at their own cost.
Subject summary
In this Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) course, the subjects studied include: Introduction to Individual Support CHCCOM005 – Communicate and work in health or community services CHCLEG001 – Work legally and ethically CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people CHCCCS041 – Recognise healthy body systems HLTWHS002 – Follow safe work practices for direct client care HLTINF006 – Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control CHCCCS040 – Support independence and wellbeing CHCCCS031 – Provide individualised support CHCCCS038 – Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support CHCAGE013 – Work effectively in aged care CHCAGE011 – Provide support to people living with dementia CHCDIS011 – Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach CHCDIS012 – Support community participation and social inclusion CHCDIS020 – Work effectively in disability support CHCPAL003 – Deliver care services using a palliative approach
Why Swinburne Open Education?
Swinburne Open Education is an online education provider offering vocational qualifications across a range of in-demand industries. Their courses cover business, accounting and bookkeeping, HR management, project management, marketing, early childhood education, community services, animal care, graphic design, and technology. Qualifications are awarded by Swinburne University of Technology, giving students a credential backed by a recognised Australian university. All courses are delivered fully online and are designed to be studied on any device, including mobile phones and tablets. Swinburne Open Education builds their courses in partnership with Australian industry, so the content is shaped around real workforce needs. Students get access to an interactive learning platform with online forums, direct messaging with trainers, and prompt feedback on assignments. Support is a clear focus for Swinburne Open Education. Dedicated enrolment consultants help students plan their study path, and trainers are available to answer questions and provide feedback throughout each course. This makes their offering well suited to people at any stage — whether balancing study with work and family, or starting fresh in a new direction. Qualifications are delivered under Swinburne University of Technology’s Registered Training Organisation registration (RTO 3059).
