Individual Support

The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Disability, Home and Community) at TAFE South Australia is a comprehensive qualification designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the community services sector. This program provides foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for supporting individuals with diverse needs in various settings, including aged care, disability support, and community assistance. Students will learn to deliver person-centered care, promote independence, and uphold the dignity of clients while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

Throughout the course, participants will develop essential skills such as effective communication, teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and basic health and safety procedures. The program emphasizes practical training through work placements, enabling students to gain real-world experience in aged care homes, community centers, and disability service organizations. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the sector and provide compassionate support to those in need.

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including assisting with activities of daily living, understanding different disabilities, providing assistance with mobility and personal hygiene, and supporting individuals in their social and recreational pursuits. Additionally, students will gain knowledge of infection control, work health and safety practices, and the importance of confidentiality and client rights.

Completing this qualification opens numerous career pathways, such as support worker in residential aged care facilities, community support worker, disability support officer, and home care assistant. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring clients receive respectful and quality care tailored to their individual preferences and health conditions.

TAFE South Australia’s Certificate III in Individual Support is nationally recognized, providing a strong foundation for further studies or advanced qualifications in community services and health sectors. The program is suitable for those who are compassionate, patient, and committed to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. Whether you are starting your career or seeking to upgrade your skills, this program offers an excellent opportunity to develop the expertise needed to succeed in the rapidly growing community support industry.

The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Disability, Home and Community) is a comprehensive qualification designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to provide compassionate and effective support to individuals across various community settings. This program focuses on developing a strong understanding of person-centered care, promoting independence, and respecting the dignity of those receiving support. Throughout the course, students will explore a wide range of topics, including communication skills, understanding aging processes, disability support, assisting with daily activities, and providing emotional care. Practical experience is a key component of the program, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world environments through work placements aligned with their chosen specialization.

Students will learn how to support individuals to maintain their routines, participate actively in community life, and achieve their personal goals. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of ethical practices, cultural sensitivity, and respecting diverse needs and preferences. Key skills developed during the training include effective communication with clients and team members, observing and reporting on health and wellbeing concerns, and supporting clients with mobility, personal care, and social interaction. The program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work in a variety of settings, such as aged care facilities, disability service organizations, community health centers, and private homes.

Throughout the course, students will also learn about the legal and ethical frameworks that underpin quality support, including privacy, safety, and duty of care. The program combines theoretical learning with practical skills development, ensuring that graduates are confident and competent in providing high-quality individual support. Upon successful completion, students will receive a nationally recognized qualification that opens pathways to further study and employment opportunities within the growing health and community services sector. Whether aiming to start a rewarding career or seeking to enhance existing skills, this program provides the foundational training needed to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Course Requirements for the Certificate III in Individual Support at TAFE South Australia (TAFE SA):

The Certificate III in Individual Support is a foundational qualification designed to prepare students for working in diverse community and residential aged care, disability support, and other support services industries. To successfully complete this program, students must meet several key requirements, including attending mandatory coursework, participating in practical placements, and demonstrating competence in all core units.

Attendance and Participation: Students are required to attend all scheduled classes, which include lectures, tutorials, and workshops. Active participation in classroom activities is essential for developing the necessary skills and knowledge for support roles.

Units of Competency: The program comprises multiple units of competency that students must complete to achieve certification. These include core units such as? “Support independence and wellbeing,” “Recognize and respond to symptoms of mental ill health,” and “Apply First Aid,” as well as elective units tailored to specific support contexts. Each unit has specific performance criteria and assessment requirements.

Practical Placement: A significant component of the program involves participating in supervised practical placements. Students must complete a minimum of 120 hours of work placement in approved support environments. During this period, students are expected to demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, adhere to workplace health and safety standards, and interact professionally with clients and team members.

Assessments: Students will undergo a series of assessments that may include written tests, reflective journals, skills demonstrations, and work observations. Competence must be demonstrated in all units to progress through the program and attain the qualification.

Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Skills: Students should possess a basic level of English language proficiency, including reading, writing, and verbal communication skills, to effectively participate in coursework and assessments. Additional support may be available for students needing assistance in these areas.

Pre-requisites and Eligibility: There are no formal prerequisites for enrollment, but students should have a genuine interest in providing support services and be prepared to undertake practical work in various community settings. Certain criminal history checks and immunizations are required before placement.

Compliance and Standards: All students are expected to adhere to TAFE SA’s policies on health and safety, conduct, and confidentiality. They must also comply with industry regulations and standards applicable to aged care and disability services.

Program Duration and Structure: The course is typically delivered over a period of approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on full-time or part-time study options. It combines classroom learning with practical placement and may be delivered through flexible study modes to accommodate diverse student needs.

Graduates of this program will be equipped with foundational skills to support individuals in their daily activities, promote their wellbeing, and work effectively within the healthcare and community sectors. Successful completion enables graduates to seek employment as support workers in residential aged care, community support, disability services, and other related fields, or to pursue further education in health and social services.

Financing studies for the Certificate III in Individual Support at TAFE South Australia can vary depending on the student’s eligibility and specific circumstances. Typically, students may access government-funded Subsidised Training through the Australian Government’s vocational education initiatives, which can significantly reduce the cost of tuition for eligible individuals such as Australian citizens, permanent residents, or those with specific visa statuses. In such cases, students may pay a concessional or full fee, with subsidies provided to support workforce development in aged care, disability services, and community care sectors. The exact fee structure is subject to change annually and varies by state and territory policy.

For domestic students who do not qualify for government funding, the program fee must be paid in full or via payment plans arranged directly through TAFE SA. These fees can range from several hundred to over a thousand Australian dollars, depending on the program’s duration and content. TAFE South Australia also offers financial assistance options including payment plans, scholarships, and occasional funding opportunities for vulnerable or underrepresented groups. International students are generally required to pay full international tuition fees, which are higher than domestic fees, and these must be paid upfront before the commencement of studies.

Students may also explore external financial assistance programs, such as education loans or support from community organizations, though eligibility varies. It is important for prospective students to consult the TAFE SA website or contact the admissions office for the most current and detailed information regarding fees, payment options, and potential financial support tailored to their circumstances. Additionally, some students may be eligible for employer-sponsored funding or rebates if undertaking the qualification as part of workplace training or professional development plans.

The Individual Support program at TAFE South Australia (TAFE SA) is designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality care and support to individuals across various settings. This program typically covers fundamental aspects of providing person-centered support, including assisting with daily living activities, understanding the needs of diverse populations, and ensuring the dignity and wellbeing of clients. Students enrolling in this course gain practical skills through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training, often involving work placements in community or healthcare environments. The coursework emphasizes essential topics such as communication techniques, health and safety procedures, legal and ethical considerations, and infection control, enabling students to work confidently and professionally in roles such as Personal Care Assistants, Support Workers, and Aged Care Workers. Upon successful completion, graduates are qualified to work in settings like aged care facilities, community health services, disability support organizations, and residential care homes. The program aligns with Australian qualification standards and is often recognized by industry stakeholders, ensuring graduates meet the employment requirements within the health and community services sectors. TAFE SA's comprehensive training approach aims to foster compassionate and competent support workers who can contribute positively to clients' quality of life, promote independence, and support community inclusion. The program duration, entry requirements, and delivery mode may vary, but generally include a mix of classroom instruction, online learning modules, and practical placement components. Prospective students are encouraged to review specific course details and pathways for further education or vocational progression after completing the program, making it a valuable stepping stone for those seeking careers in support and community services.