Aged Care

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

CHC33021

Career Outcomes

Accommodation Support Worker

Aged Care Worker

Family Support Worker

Home Care Assistant

NDIS Support Worker

Personal Care Assistant

View All

Study Mode

Online

Workplace

Awarded by

Swinburne Open Education (RTO: 3059)

Qualification

Certificate III

Course Fee

Price may vary

Duration

12-18 months (self-paced)

Start Date

Enquire now for upcoming start dates

Payment Option

Fee For Service

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) is a nationally recognised qualification offered by Swinburne Open Education, designed for those who want to build a meaningful career supporting older Australians. Awarded by Swinburne University of Technology, this course is available exclusively to Victorian-based students and is delivered online with a mandatory work placement component. Students can complete the qualification at their own pace over 12 to 18 months, making it well suited to those who wish to continue working or managing other commitments while they study.

The course covers a broad range of learning areas that prepare students for the practical and interpersonal demands of aged care work. Key areas of study include providing individualised and person-centred support, promoting independence and wellbeing, understanding healthy body systems, working legally and ethically, applying infection prevention and control principles, and communicating effectively within health and community service settings. Students also explore specialised topics such as supporting people living with dementia, delivering care using a palliative approach, providing loss and grief support, and working with diverse individuals and communities. Assessment methods include short answer questions, case studies, projects, reflective reports, video role plays, and direct observation in the workplace or a simulated environment. A minimum of 127 hours of structured workplace learning and assessment is required to complete the course, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a real aged care setting.

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) opens pathways into a growing sector, with graduates prepared to work across government, not-for-profit, and community organisations in a variety of individual support roles. The flexible online learning platform is accessible on any device, and students benefit from trainer-led sessions, online forums, and dedicated support throughout their studies. This qualification suits those who are compassionate, patient, and motivated to make a genuine difference in the lives of others. 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 18 years of age or above.
A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, 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.
This course is only available in Victoria, Australia. It is not available to international students or students based outside of Victoria.

Subject Breakdown

Units of Competency

This course contains 9 core units and 6 elective units of competency.

Core Units

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

CHCAGE011 – Provide support to people living with dementia
CHCAGE013 – Work effectively in aged care
CHCCCS017 – Provide loss and grief support
CHCCCS036 – Support relationships with carer and family
CHCDIS011 – Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
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) from Swinburne Open Education.

This nationally recognised qualification prepares graduates to work in Australia’s aged care and individual support sector. Graduates may pursue roles such as aged care worker, personal care assistant, home care worker, family support worker, or accommodation support worker. These roles are found across a range of settings, including government agencies, not-for-profit organisations, and community service providers. The course includes a mandatory minimum of 127 hours of structured workplace learning, giving graduates practical, hands-on experience before entering the workforce.

The skills developed through this course — including person-centred care, communication, infection control, and safe work practices — are applicable across residential, community, and in-home care environments. Graduates who wish to broaden their scope of practice may consider further study, such as a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) or a Certificate IV in Community Services. Please note this course is only available to students based in Victoria, Australia.