CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support

CRICOS COURSE CODE: 115219C   Campus locations: Sydney

COURSE  DESCRIPTION

This qualification reflects the role of support workers who provide person -centred care to people in aged care or disability care in a community and/or residential setting.

ENTRY  REQUIREMENTS

This course is open to both international and domestic students aged 18 years and over. Applicants are required to provide evidence of meeting the academic and English language entry requirements. Student visa requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. Students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs website www.homeaffairs.gov.au/  or seek advice from a registered migration agent.

Academic Requirements:

• Successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent and/or above – or
• Proven experience in an aged care or nursing environment;

English Language Requirements as follows:

• IELTS 6.0 overall (no less than 5.5 in each band) or equivalent test result, or General English / EAP at the Upper Intermediate level from an approved ELICOS provider

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) Skills

As part of the Standards for RTOs 2025 set by the Department of Education, all students are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills assessment before enrolment. This helps us ensure that you have the core skills needed to successfully complete your chosen course. If the assessment identifies any support needs, the College will provide reasonable assistance or learning support to help you meet the course requirements.

Any AQF qualification at the Certificate IV or above in any discipline area delivered and assessed in English only will be deemed as meeting the English language entry requirements.

Work placement Requirement

Participants must be able to perform the physical requirements of the role, including manual handling and the use of equipment within an aged care setting.  120 hours of unpaid practical placement must be completed in a recognised and approved facility deemed suitable for meeting the course requirements. Entry to work placement for the practical assessment is conditional upon the successful completion of the relevant theory units, which must be completed prior to commencing the practical assessment.

The College will support students in securing a suitable work placement provider within 25 km of the campus. Students currently employed in the industry may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for their work hours or may nominate their employer as a placement provider. All such requests must be submitted to the Clinical Facilitator for assessment of suitability and to facilitate the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the facility.

The practical component is a substantial and mandatory part of the course and must be successfully completed to be eligible for certification. Participants must be of suitable fitness and good health to safely undertake the required duties.

Prior to commencing work placement, students must obtain a valid Police Clearance Certificate, either an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check or NSW Police Check, which must be no more than three years old. A Working with Children Check and relevant immunisation requirements are also mandatory. These checks must be completed in a timely manner prior to work placement allocation.

DURATION

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support has a duration of up to 52 weeks.

DELIVERY STRUCTURE

Students attend the College for 15 hours per week for classroom-based learning, practical activities, and assessment.

In addition, students undertake a structured study program through the online learning platform, completing approximately 5 hours of study per week on a unit-by-unit basis.

To maximise learning outcomes, students are expected to complete self-directed study in their own time. Students will also undertake a 120-hour work placement, which is scheduled as part of the program.

 

CAREER  OPPORTUNITIES

People pursuing a career in a facility such as a Nursing Home, Hostel, Residential Care Facility, Aged Care Facility, Retirement Village or Community Health Care Centre.

Graduates may seek employment in the following jobs:

• Residential care worker
• Care worker
• Community house worker
• Personal care assistant
• Personal care worker

 

PATHWAYS

After achieving the Certificate III in Individual Support you have a number of pathway options with Mercury Colleges.

• CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support
• CHC52025 Diploma Community Services

 

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE AND COURSE CONTENT

To be awarded CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), students must successfully complete 15 units of competency, made up of:

• 9 core units
• 6 elective units

 

Core Units

Unit Code	Unit Name
CHCCCS031	Provide individualised support
CHCCCS038	Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
CHCCCS040	Support independence and wellbeing
CHCCCS041	Recognise healthy body systems
CHCCOM005	Communicate and work in health or community services
CHCDIV001	Work with diverse people
CHCLEG001	Work legally and ethically
HLTINF006	Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
HLTWHS002	Follow safe work practices for direct client care

 

Elective Units

Unit Code	Unit Name
CHCAGE011	Provide support to people living with dementia
CHCAGE013	Work effectively in aged care
CHCPAL003	Deliver care services using a palliative approach
CHCDIS011	Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
CHCDIS012	Support community participation and social inclusion
CHCDIS020	Work effectively in disability support

*Units are subject to change in line with training package requirements, regulatory updates, and Mercury Colleges’ course delivery arrangements.

 

DELIVERY  STRUCTURE

Delivery is a combination of methods to cover the theory and practice requirements:

• Workshops for developing your theory knowledge such as anatomy and medications and care plans.
• Supplementary learning online for each unit in theory and skills and case studies.
• Demonstrations then practice in simulation areas and using manual handling equipment to give you that valuable practice time before you go to the workplace.
• Self-paced study and support to embed your learning and practical skills.
• Work placements of 120 hours to apply your skills.

You will be trained in the use of manual handling equipment and other equipment such as:

• Lifting hoist, Stand up Lifter, Pelican Belt, Slide Sheet, Electric bed, & Wheelchair.
• Blood sugar testing equipment, Blood Pressure, Pulse Oximeter etc.
• Medication Trolley, Medications (Dummy), & Dressing Trolley.

 

ASSESSMENT  STRUCTURE

As this is a nationally recognised qualification, you will be required to successfully complete all units to a standard so that you are job ready. Each unit contains assessments which include:

• Practical demonstrations where you will be observed by one of our assessors in a simulated environment and at your work placement.
• Knowledge based tests which contain written short answer questions.
• Projects which contain written tasks for you to investigate and complete in your own.

 

RESOURCE  REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to have access to a laptop or computer to complete learning activities, assessments and course requirements both in class and outside of scheduled study hours. Access to on-campus computer facilities is subject to availability. Students will be provided with access to the College’s online learning platform, which contains course materials, learning resources, and assessment tools.

 

COURSE CREDIT AND/OR RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Students may be entitled to gain course credit and/or recognition before or after commencing the course that will exempt them from completing one or more units of competency. The Student Handbook contains more information.

 

EXIT POINT/AWARD

Students who successfully complete all 15 units of competency as stated in the Qualification Structure and Course Content section will be issued with CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) by Mercury Colleges. This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Students who successfully complete one or more units of competency, but do not complete the full qualification, may be eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment for the units completed.

 

INTAKES

Mercury Colleges offers rolling intakes with one scheduled each block.