Certificate III in Individual Support Ageing and Disability (Non-Traineeship)
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
To find a course that's available to international students, please visit the search page:
Overview
10 months part time
February, July
This is the non-traineeship version of the course. Learn more about the traineeship Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021 (Ageing and Disability) here.
A career with meaning
Aged care and disability support workers play a significant role in Australian society. People with empathy, patience and a professional attitude are in high demand. Graduates from Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021 (Ageing and Disability) and can expect strong career prospects in this consistently growing sector.
The Melbourne Polytechnic program meets the requirements for the specialisation Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021 (Ageing and Disability). You will be qualified to work with older people in home and community care and residential aged care, as well as with NDIS participants, people with disability in home and community care and those living is supported residential accommodation.
Learn vocational skills
Our course is designed to provide quality training in individual support across the ageing and aged care and disability sectors with a program delivered by highly experienced staff in hands-on settings. You will also develop the professional and personal qualities required to provide high quality care to those who need it most.
Melbourne Polytechnic provides fully-equipped practical learning spaces, including a state-of-the-art simulation room. Our industry connections mean that you will also receive practical experience with a supervised industry placement, so you’re ready to enter the industry with confidence.
Career Pathways
Where will the Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021 (Ageing and Disability (Non-Traineeship)) take me?
You will be qualified to work in an aged care facility or in the Home and Community Care Sector.
- Aged Care Worker
- Home and Community Care Worker
- Disability Support Worker
Study Pathways
Graduates of the Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021 (Ageing and Disability) may be able to enrol in the Certificate IV in Disability CHC43121, the Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021, a Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015 or a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health CHC43415.
Course Details
Delivery methods
You must complete a total of 140 hours of placement, 80 hours in an aged care and 60 hours in a disability service.
The program includes one additional optional unit Provide First Aid HLTAID011.
Modes of delivery include:
- Simulation
- Work placements
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus / Virtual classroom
A blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning with scheduled classes taking place on-campus and in virtual classrooms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Class Schedule
Delivery is at Preston, and some practical classes may be delivered at Greensborough campus.
February Intake:
Commences February 10th 2025
Days - Monday and Tuesday 9:00am - 3:30pm (on campus)
Wednesday evening 6:00pm - 9:00pm (remote)
April Intake:
Commences April 22nd 2025
Days - Monday and Tuesday 9:00am - 3:30pm (on campus)
Wednesday evening 6:00pm - 9:00pm (remote)
July Intake:
Commences July 24th 2025
Days - Thursday and Friday 9:00am - 3:30pm (on campus)
Wednesday evening 6:00pm - 9:00pm (remote)
Assessment Methods
Includes Written Assessment, Observation, Oral Questioning.
You must complete a total of 140 hours of placement, 80 hours in an aged care and 60 hours in a disability service.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| CHCAGE011 | Provide support to people living with dementia | Elective | 80 |
| CHCAGE013 | Work effectively in aged care | Elective | 65 |
| CHCCCS031 | Provide individualised support | Core | 100 |
| CHCCCS038 | Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support | Core | 120 |
| CHCCCS040 | Support independence and wellbeing | Core | 80 |
| CHCCCS041 | Recognise healthy body systems | Core | 80 |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | Core | 30 |
| CHCDIS011 | Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach | Elective | 40 |
| CHCDIS012 | Support community participation and social inclusion | Elective | 60 |
| CHCDIS020 | Work effectively in disability support | Elective | 65 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | Core | 40 |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | Core | 55 |
| CHCPAL003 | Deliver care services using a palliative approach | Elective | 70 |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | Elective | 18 |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control | Core | 35 |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care | Core | 25 |
Workplace Traineeships Available
Fees & Costs
| Free TAFE | Concession | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $0 | $770 | $3850 | $12150 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $175 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $250 | $945 | $4100 | $12400 |
| Per year | $0 |
| Per semester | $0 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Fees explained
The State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition (excluding Amenities Fees and Materials Fees) for students who are eligible for government subsidised training and enrol into one of the Priority listed course.
Free TAFE is available to eligible students for one course enrolment in a lifetime.
Free TAFE places are limited. Please call 1300 635 276 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.
The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have commenced in a tuition-free priority course, you are not eligible for further tuition-free places again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:
- Commonwealth Health Care card, or
- Pensioner Concession card, or
- Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
- Veterans Gold card.
The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Individual Support courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
You may apply directly into the qualification without prior experience or training.
Practical and Manual Handling Requirements
The unit HLTAID011 Provide First Aid requires students to perform at least 2 minutes of uninterrupted single rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult resuscitation manikin placed on the floor.
Additional units require students to demonstrate and complete manual handling tasks. This includes but is not limited to the capacity to reposition clients in wheelchairs, push wheelchairs, use hoists, put clients into slings, turn a patient using a slide sheet, use a standing machine and walking with clients who use crutches or wheelie frames who may fall and be unable to weight bear properly.
Ageing and Disability Sector Industry Placement Entry Requirements
For compulsory work placement of 140 hours, you must:
- Be over 18 years of age at the time of placement.
- Provide an NDIS Worker Screening Check. This requirement is not negotiable. Industry will not accept learners without a clear record.
- Some aged care facilities who are not NDIS providers and may also require an clear Australian Police Check.
- Provide evidence of a current influenza vaccine and other vaccination requirements as outlined on the Victorian Government Department of Health website.
- Be prepared for early morning shifts, i.e., 7 a.m. starts, which will be required at aged care facilities in order to meet assessment requirements.
Documents do not have be provided at enrolment but must be received four months prior to placement.
Language and Literacy
All potential learners will undertake a pre-training review and a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment to determine your suitability for the course.
Next Steps
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
After you complete that form we will send you an email with a link to an application form webpage. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam and junk folders.
Complete the application form on the application form webpage.
You will be required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment over the phone or on campus.
For certificate-level courses, you can pay by weekly or fortnightly direct debit using our Tuition Payment Plan. Read more about Tuition Payment Plans here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year
Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.
Recognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.