Aged Care

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) (VIC Only)

CHC33021

Career Outcomes

Aged Care Worker

NDIS Support Worker

Personal Care Assistant

Personal Care Worker

Support Worker

View All

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 Option

Payment plan

Upfront payment

On this page:

In a nutshell

What you'll need to get it

Subject breakdown

Why Swinburne Open Education ?

Where will this course take you?

Career outcomes

Let's talk price

This course meets the Nationally Recognised Training standards. It is listed on the Australian government's National Register for Vocational Education and Training (VET). Studying this course leads to a qualification that's recognised throughout Australia, and lets employers know that you have the right skills for the job.

In a Nutshell

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) is a nationally recognised qualification offered by Swinburne Open Education and awarded by Swinburne University of Technology (RTO 3059). Available exclusively to students in Victoria, this course is designed for those looking to build a meaningful career supporting people with ageing-related needs and disability. It is delivered entirely online, with mandatory Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA) placements completed in an approved host organisation, and can be completed in up to 18 months.

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) covers a broad range of learning areas that prepare students for the practical and interpersonal demands of individual support work. Key areas of study include working legally and ethically, communicating effectively in health and community services, supporting the independence and wellbeing of clients, and understanding healthy body systems. Students also develop skills in working with diverse people, applying infection prevention and control practices, and delivering care using a palliative approach. Elective units extend learning into aged care, disability support, dementia care, and community participation, giving students a well-rounded foundation across both ageing and disability contexts. Assessment methods are varied and include short answer questions, case studies, projects, reflection reports, video role plays, portfolios, logbooks, and direct observation in the workplace or a simulated environment.

Swinburne Open Education’s online platform is accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, allowing students to balance study with work and personal commitments. Trainer support is available through the course messaging system, with one-on-one video calls available as needed, and monthly Course Spotlight videos provide additional guidance throughout the course. Students are responsible for sourcing their own work placement, which must total a minimum of 127 hours and be completed in two blocks at an approved host organisation. A reasonable level of physical fitness is an inherent requirement of this course, given the practical nature of individual support work. Upon successful completion, graduates receive the nationally recognised CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), opening pathways into roles within the aged care and disability support sectors. Enquire to learn more.

What You'll Need to Get In

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 Breakdown

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 nationally recognised vocational qualifications across a range of in-demand industries, with all qualifications awarded by Swinburne University of Technology. Their course areas include business, accounting and bookkeeping, HR management, project management, marketing, early childhood education, community services, animal care, and visual and graphic design. All courses are delivered fully online and designed to be studied on any device — desktop, tablet, or mobile.

Swinburne Open Education develops its courses in partnership with Australian industry, with the aim of preparing students for real workforce needs. Students learn through trainer-led online sessions, interactive content, and an online platform that includes forums and direct messaging with lecturers and peers. Assignment submission and grading alerts are built into the platform, keeping study organised and on track.

Support is a clear focus for Swinburne Open Education. A dedicated team is available to help students stay on track and reach their career goals. The flexible, self-paced format suits people at any stage — whether balancing study with work and family commitments, or starting fresh in a new direction. All qualifications are nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework and issued under RTO 3059.

Where will this course take you?

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).