CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)

Kickstart a rewarding career in the community services industry with this nationally recognised entry-level qualification. Our aged care course provides the essential practical skills and knowledge required to provide high-quality individual support in residential aged care, home, and community settings.

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support offers specialised pathways in Ageing Support or Disability Support. As a qualified support worker, you will play a vital role in empowering members of your community, helping them maintain independence, and making a genuine difference in their everyday lives.

Why Choose Our Aged Care Training?

• Specialised Qualifications: Graduate with a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) or choose the Disability specialisation through tailored elective subjects to achieve Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).
• Industry-Standard Facilities: Train in our fully equipped, on-campus aged care and nursing simulation rooms.
• Hands-on Experience: Gain real-world confidence with 120 hours of guaranteed work placement.
• Expert Instruction: Learn from qualified, industry-experienced trainers who understand the current demands of the sector.

Career Outcomes

Successfully completing this aged care certificate opens doors to a variety of stable and fulfilling employment opportunities, including:

• Aged Care Worker
• Support Worker
• Disability Services Worker
• Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
• Home Help or Respite Care Worker
• Direct Care Worker

Course Delivery & Requirements

We offer flexible part-time day or evening classes at our College Campus. A total of 15 units of competency must be successfully completed to achieve this qualification; a full timetable detailing theory, practical, and work placement sessions will be provided at course commencement.

• Learning Model: A blend of weekly classroom attendance, flexible directed self-study (approx. 15 hours per week), and 120 hours of clinical work placement.
• Placement Schedule: While there are no classes during school holidays, students will complete part-time work placement (typically 3 days per week, 7am – 3pm) during these periods.
• Assessments: Competency is measured through a mix of methods, including case studies, theory tasks, projects, and practical demonstrations (both on-campus and during work placement). You will receive clear instructions and opportunities for resubmission if required.
• Digital Requirements: Resources are delivered via our Learning Management System (LMS). Students must have access to a laptop/computer, internet, a scanner (or a document scanner app downloaded on their smartphone), and Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Required Digital Skills: Students must be comfortable performing the following tasks independently:
  • Downloading and uploading templates.
  • Saving and quickly locating files on their computer.
  • Using tables to complete templates.
  • Managing multiple windows (minimising, reducing page size, and opening files).

Pathway To Further Training

The Certificate III in Individual Support can provide a pathway to CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support or CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services or other qualifications relevant to the community services and/or health industries.

Fee-Free Training & Traineeships

Training in priority qualifications is fee-free and fully funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments for eligible students.

This qualification can also be completed via a Traineeship pathway, which is currently fee-free for new entrants. To discuss your eligibility or learn more about course costs, please contact Mairead O’Leary at 9970 1001 or email mairead@nbmc.nsw.edu.au.

You can also learn more about traineeships here – https://nbmc.nsw.edu.au/course-funding-option/traineeship/

How to Enrol

Ready to begin your journey as a support worker?

1. Apply Online: Start the process by completing the application form below.
2. Speak to Us: Contact Mairead O’Leary on 9970 1001 or email mairead@nbmc.nsw.edu.au for detailed information on upcoming intake dates and government funding.

• Due to the nature of tasks completed during work placement it is recommended that students are 18 years and over.
• MUST have basic computer skills and bring your own device.
• Telephone or personal meeting with our Training Coordinator who will provide course information and answer your questions to ensure this is the right course for you before you enrol.
• Current National Police Check.
• Current Influenza Vaccination.
• Unique Student Identifier (see information in the tab below).
• Successful completion of an NBMC English language, literacy and numeracy quiz to determine that you have appropriate skills to successfully complete the course.
• Reasonable level of fitness to carry out manual handling tasks.
• COVID-19 vaccination may be required in accordance with NSW Health Orders and/or facility requirements.
• National Police Background Check.
• Provide a copy of up to date vaccination records.
• When completing First Aid student is required to have the ability to perform CPR while kneeling on the floor.

As part of our pre-requisites for this qualification, due to the physical nature of this course, NBMC can request a GPs ‘medical fitness for work’ letter to be submitted as part of the application process.

The points to consider are listed below:

1. Manual Handling & Mobility

• Lifting and Transferring: Ability to assist in moving clients (who may have limited mobility) from beds to chairs or wheelchairs using manual handling techniques. This may include, on occasion, lifting up to 10kgs in weight.
• Equipment Operation: Physical strength to operate mechanical lifters, stand-up hoists, and electric hospital beds.
• Sustained Standing/Walking: Ability to remain on feet for shifts of 4–8 hours, including frequent walking across large facilities.
• Postural Flexibility: Ability to bend frequently, stoop, kneel, and reach (e.g., making beds, assisting with footwear, or picking up items from the floor)

2. Emergency Response

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Ability to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths on a manikin placed on the floor for at least 2 minutes without interruption. This is non-negotiable.
• Rapid Movement: Ability to respond quickly to emergency alarms or a client’s fall.

3. Personal Care Tasks

• Fine Motor Skills: Manual dexterity to assist with tasks like grooming, dressing, and opening medication packaging.
• Weight Bearing: Ability to support a portion of a client’s weight if they stumble while walking (using a gait belt).

4. Sensory & Environmental Requirements

• Visual/Auditory: Sufficient vision and hearing to monitor client wellbeing, read care plans, and hear calls for help.
• Infection Control: Capacity to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks and gloves, for extended periods.

• A minimum of 120 hours of unpaid work placement in a care service facility is required (usually arranged by NBMC)
• Work placement provides you with the opportunity to respond to situations and circumstances that cannot be replicated in a simulated environment.
• Your trainer/facilitator will visit you during work placement hours to guide and support you as well as assess practical skills.
• Some units of competency require assessment of practical skills during work placement.
• You will receive clear assessment instructions and an opportunity will be provided for resubmission of assessments if required.

For full qualification courses NBMC has several payment options for students to choose from.  Please discuss your preference with the Training Coordinator during the enrolment process.

Course Cost is Less than $1500

1. In full at time of enrolment; or
2. By two (2) instalments – half on enrolment and half midway through the course; or
3. Interest-free payment plan paying $240 on enrolment, followed by fortnightly direct debit payments by Visa or MasterCard (an initial admin charge of $10 will be added for direct debit set up)

Course Cost is between $1501 and $3000

1. By two (2) instalments – half on enrolment and half midway through the course; or
2. Interest-free payment plan paying $240 on enrolment, followed by fortnightly direct debit payments by Visa or MasterCard (an initial admin charge of $10 will be added for direct debit set up)

Course Cost is over $3000*

1. By three (3) instalments – first instalment on enrolment, instalments 2 and 3 approximately every 3 months, depending on length of course; or
2. Interest-free payment plan paying $500 on enrolment, followed by fortnightly direct debit payments by Visa or MasterCard (an initial admin charge of $20 will be added for direct debit set up)

Please Note:

• In full or instalment payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard, electronic funds transfer, cheque, cash or BPay at our Brookvale Campus.
• Direct Debt fortnightly payments can be made using Visa or MasterCard
• Full payment, first instalment or $240/$500 must be paid on enrolment – enrolments cannot proceed unless initial payment is made.

*If not eligible for Smart and Skilled, payment will be by instalments of no more than $1500 each.  Please contact the College for payment options.

From 1 January 2015 it is a requirement of the Federal Government that all students undertaking nationally recognised training will need to obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This involves an easy online application. See USI Fact Sheet for information on how to apply for a USI go to the Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Website for additional information: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi.

Please ensure when completing your enrolment information, that the details relating to your name are identical to those on the identification evidence (eg passport or driver’s licence) used when creating your USI, eg no abbreviations or nicknames should be used. Once created, it is important that you keep a record of your USI and access to your accredited training records in a safe place. You will need this information for any future enrolments into accredited training in Australia.

Please contact the College on 9970 1000 if you require assistance.

This is a means of measuring skills acquired through work or life experiences, or through qualifications obtained from formal studies or training.

There are two options for recognising prior learning:

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This is an assessment process to evaluate skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience or non-accredited training.

Credit Transfer (CT)

This is recognition of current qualifications/units of competency previously gained through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

For more information please head to our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Please advise our Training Coordinator during your initial telephone or in-person meeting if you require additional learning support. This allows a support plan to be developed before you commence your course. Support services may be available for students with a disability, impairment or long-term condition, and/or learning, language, literacy or numeracy difficulties. As outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment, students are encouraged to contact the College at the time of enrolment to confirm whether appropriate support can be provided for their individual needs.

Throughout your studies, you may experience personal challenges that could affect your enrolment. This may include stress at home, difficulties at work, financial pressures, or other personal issues. Our Wellness Coordinator is available to assist as needed. If you are experiencing stress or facing personal difficulties, please inform your Trainer or Training Coordinator, who can refer you to the Wellness Coordinator.

All conversations with the Wellness Coordinator remain confidential unless disclosure is required by law or you provide consent for relevant information to be shared with your Trainer.  Counselling offers a confidential space where you can discuss concerns that may be impacting your academic performance or mental health and wellbeing. All NBMC counselling services are free and available to all students. Please note that counselling at NBMC is short-term; if you require ongoing or long-term support, we can provide details for an appropriate external provider.

Enjoy smaller class sizes, a personalised relationship with your trainer, face-to face teaching sessions and qualifications that may include real life work experience, when you choose to study at Northern Beaches & Mosman College (NBMC).

With classes available across the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore in Brookvale and Mosman, the College offers increasing numbers of accredited and vocational qualifications. Students include those looking to upskill, to change career direction and school leavers keen to step onto a career pathway. Courses on offer can lead directly to employment and/or go towards future learning opportunities.

All NBMC Trainers/Assessors are current industry professionals with the required qualifications to deliver and assess this course. Trainers draw upon and share their own experiences in the industry to ensure that the training delivered to you is current and relevant.

For information about individual trainers, please go to our Trainer & Assessor page to view our trainer’s bios.