Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Course Overview
The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is a nationally recognised qualification that builds the core skills to support older people in residential, home and community settings.
If you’re aiming to become an aged care worker, residential care assistant or home care support worker, this course prepares you to deliver person-centred care with professionalism and empathy. You’ll gain practical experience assisting with daily activities, promoting independence and dignity, and supporting the health and wellbeing of older Australians.
What you'll learn
This qualification prepares you to provide respectful, high-quality care to older people. You’ll learn to:
- Provide person-centred care that supports independence, dignity and choice
- Assist with daily living, mobility and personal care so clients feel safe, comfortable and supported
- Communicate effectively and build trusted relationships with older clients, families and carers
- Recognise age-related conditions and changing health needs, and respond appropriately in real care settings
- Apply safe work practices and infection prevention and control procedures
- Support emotional wellbeing and social inclusion to reduce loneliness and enhance quality of life
- Work legally, ethically and with cultural sensitivity in line with industry standards
With strong demand across the aged care sector, you’ll graduate with practical experience, job-ready skills and the confidence to begin a meaningful career in aged care.
Career Outcomes
Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal
Access aged care, healthcare and community support roles through the Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal. Connect directly with employers, tailor your job search, and explore courses and resources to boost your job readiness. Join the portal to find flexible roles that fit your lifestyle and career goals. Learn More Here!
Possible Careers
Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue the following career outcomes.
Industry Outlook
Discover why Community Services is a vital and rewarding field, making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Annual Employment Growth
30,200
Median Age
41
Course Modules
- Reflect on your own cultural views and biases
- Communicate respectfully with diverse people
- Support inclusive, culturally safe work practices
- Address misunderstandings to maintain positive relationships
- Communicate clearly with clients, colleagues and other providers
- Use appropriate verbal, non-verbal and written communication
- Follow organisation procedures and reporting requirements
- Work collaboratively within health and community service teams
- Work within legal and ethical frameworks for your role
- Recognise your rights, responsibilities and duty of care
- Handle ethical dilemmas and report issues appropriately
- Follow safe work procedures in client care settings
- Identify and manage risks to your own and others’ safety
- Use safe manual handling and respond to incidents and hazards
- Understand basic healthy body systems and their functions
- Notice changes related to ageing or disability
- Report concerns about clients’ health to the appropriate staff
- Recognise signs and indicators of abuse
- Respond to suspected or disclosed abuse within your role
- Follow reporting procedures to protect the person from further harm
- Build respectful, supportive relationships with people experiencing mental health issues
- Clarify needs and work collaboratively within your role
- Use appropriate referral pathways and supports when needed
- Meet job requirements in an aged care setting
- Follow organisational policies, procedures and routines
- Contribute to quality care for older people as part of a team
- Provide care for people with life-limiting illnesses using a palliative approach
- Support comfort, dignity and quality of life, including end-of-life care
- Work with the care team and family in line with individualised plans
- Understand the role and needs of carers and families
- Communicate respectfully and involve them in the support process
- Maintain boundaries while supporting positive relationships
- Organise and deliver support in line with an individualised plan
- Assist with daily activities while promoting independence
- Monitor and report changes in the person’s needs and wellbeing
- Provide person-centred care for people living with dementia
- Use appropriate communication and behaviour support strategies
- Follow individualised plans to support daily living and safety
- Apply standard and transmission-based precautions in daily work
- Follow workplace infection prevention and control procedures
- Respond to infection risks and report breaches or incidents
- Use a person-centred, rights-based approach to support
- Encourage choice, control and self-advocacy
- Work with individualised plans to promote independence
- Provide individualised services that build independence
- Support physical, emotional and social wellbeing
- Encourage participation, choice and self-management in daily life
Frequently Asked Questions
Aged carers, also known as aged care workers, provide assistance and support to elderly individuals who may need help with daily tasks such as personal care, mobility, meal preparation, medication management, and companionship.
The earnings of an aged care carer in Australia can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer. On average, aged care carers can earn between $20 to $30 per hour in Australia.
To start a career in aged care, you can begin by obtaining relevant qualifications such as a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) or a similar certification. You may also consider gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level positions in aged care facilities.
While it's possible to work in aged care without a certificate, having relevant qualifications such as a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) is highly recommended by employers and may increase job opportunities and earning potential.
While formal qualifications are not always mandatory, most employers in the aged care sector prefer candidates with relevant qualifications such as a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) or equivalent, as it demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role.
To study aged care in Australia, you can enrol in accredited courses offered by various Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) like Upskilled or vocational training institutions. These courses typically include classroom-based learning, online learning, as well as practical training in aged care facilities.
A support worker in aged care assists elderly individuals with various tasks such as personal care, household chores, mobility assistance, emotional support, and social activities, with the goal of enhancing their quality of life and promoting independence.
A senior carer typically has more experience and may have additional responsibilities such as supervising other care staff, coordinating care plans, and liaising with healthcare professionals, whereas a support worker primarily focuses on providing direct care and support to elderly individuals.
Support workers in aged care should possess a range of skills including empathy, communication, patience, flexibility, physical stamina, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Additionally, having basic medical knowledge and an understanding of aged care principles is beneficial.
Work placements are undertaken at a nominated host organisation approved by Upskilled. Specific requirements exist for this course. For details, refer to the Work Placement section on the course page or contact us for more information.
Payment Options
Studying with Upskilled
What’s included
When you study the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) with Upskilled, you get:
- Career guidance – advice from trainers as you study
- Health Job Portal – connect with employers looking for aged care staff
- Industry-relevant learning – practical content to build job-ready skills
- MyUpskilled platform – easy access to your online course materials
- Student support – help from our Australian-based support team
- Specialist trainers – learn from experienced community services professionals
Hear from our students
Our students highlight:
- Well-organised online learning and helpful tools like immersive reader
- Flexible study options, including Zoom, discussions and self-paced resources
- Supportive trainers and coordinators who explain clearly and respond quickly
Our trainers
Upskilled Community Services trainers are industry professionals who focus on practical, hands-on learning to help you build real skills for aged care and community services roles. Explore trainer profiles here.
How to enrol
- Step 1 – Enquire: Fill out the enquiry form or request a callback. An Education Consultant will contact you to discuss the course.
- Step 2 – Enrol: Complete your enrolment form, provide any required documents and choose your payment option.
- Step 3 – Start studying: Attend your online orientation and begin your Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing).
What you need to know
Entry requirements
- No formal entry requirements.
- An Education Consultant will discuss your goals and experience before enrolment.
- You’ll complete a short language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment.
Recommended skills and resources
- Year 10 level English and numeracy
- Modern computer, high-speed internet and audio/video capability
- Basic computer skills, including recording and uploading short videos
Study mode & duration
- Flexible, self-paced online study with a training plan.
- Most students finish in 12–18 months; motivated learners may finish sooner.
Assessment
You may be assessed through:
- Online/written questions
- Reports, projects and portfolios
- Role-plays and simulated scenarios
- Workplace-based tasks during placement
Work placement
Required Hours
- Minimum 120 hours of direct support work in at least one aged care, home and community, disability or community services organisation, focusing on CHCCCS040 – Support independence and wellbeing.
- If you’re not currently working in aged care, you’ll complete an extra 10 hours (total 130 hours) to practise disability-specific skills.
Finding a host organisation
- You are responsible for sourcing a suitable host; allow several weeks.
- If you can’t find one, Upskilled’s Work Placement Officer can assist once you provide a list of organisations that have declined.
- You may need up to two organisations (e.g. residential aged care and community care).
- A Work Placement Agreement Form must be submitted via MyUpskilled and approved before you start placement.
When can you start placement
You can commence placement once:
- Required clearance checks are approved and submitted
- The Work Placement Module is unlocked in MyUpskilled
- Your Work Placement Agreement has been approved by Upskilled
If you’re already working in the industry
- You may complete your placement within your current workplace, subject to an approved Work Placement Agreement and suitable supervision.
During work placement, you’ll be providing hands-on support to clients. You need to be physically able to safely perform tasks such as:
- Assisting with manual handling and transfers
- Bending, kneeling or working at low levels
- Walking, standing and other general mobility tasks involved in direct client care
Checks and documentation
You must provide the required checks for your state/territory plus:
- National Police Check
- Cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV)
Examples:
- NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, NT, WA – Working with Children Check
- ACT, TAS – Working with Vulnerable People Check
Fees may apply. These checks must be applied for and submitted within the first 2 months of your course.
If checks are not obtained and submitted, Upskilled may transfer you to a non-placement course or cancel your enrolment.
If you need help securing placement, you’ll also upload your cover letter and CV for the Work Placement Officer.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) / Credit Transfer (CT)
You may be able to reduce your study load or course duration through RPL or Credit Transfer based on prior study or work experience.
- Discuss options with an Education Consultant before enrolment, or
- Download and submit an application via MyUpskilled after enrolment.
A trainer will assess your eligibility.
Interactive learning & support
- Optional interactive activities and role-plays to practise real scenarios and build confidence before placement.
- Opportunities to work with other students in online classrooms and assessment-related activities.
- Specialist community services trainers provide recorded walkthroughs, academic support sessions, extra resources, peer support and Zoom practice sessions.