CHC33021 · Certificate III
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability)
Become a personal care worker in aged care with a nationally recognised Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing). Government-funded from $345 through the Queensland Government’s Career Start program, delivered face-to-face at our Logan Central, Kippa-Ring, Ipswich, Stafford and Nambour training centres — or online Queensland-wide.
- DurationAround 16 weeks*
- Placement120 hours
- DeliveryFace-to-face · Day classes · Evening classes · Online
- Next intakeRegular intakes at every centre
- Where6 locations
Overview
Work that genuinely matters.
Make a real difference in someone’s life with the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. This nationally recognised qualification equips you to provide compassionate care and practical assistance to people requiring support due to aging, disability, or other circumstances. You will learn to offer person-centered care, master daily living skills and develop communication skills. Ready to embark on a fulfilling career path that matters? Explore the rewarding world of individual support with the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support.
What you'll learn
Practical skills, and the judgement to use them well.
- Support older people to live wellPersonalised care that respects each person’s dignity, choices and independence — at home, in residential care or in the community.
- Understand ageing and healthy body systemsHow the body changes with age, common conditions, and the signs you report to nursing staff.
- Support people living with dementiaCommunication techniques, care planning and behaviour support for people with dementia and their families.
- Deliver a palliative approach to careComfort-focused, person-centred care at end of life, and support for families and loved ones.
- Safe manual handling and infection controlHands-on practice in the techniques you’ll use every shift to keep yourself and your clients safe.
- Legal, ethical and culturally safe careWork within the aged care legal framework, respect diversity and provide culturally safe care for everyone.
Course units
15 units of competency.
9 core units plus 6 electives.
Core units 9
- CHCCCS031Provide individualised support
- CHCCCS040Support independence and wellbeing
- CHCCOM005Communicate and work in health or community services
- CHCDIV001Work with diverse people
- CHCLEG001Work legally and ethically
- CHCCCS041Recognise healthy body systems
- HLTWHS002Follow safe work practices for direct client care
- CHCCCS038Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
- HLTINF006Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
Elective units 6
- CHCAGE013Work effectively in aged care
- CHCAGE011Provide support to people living with dementia
- CHCPAL013Deliver care services using a palliative approach
- CHCCCS033Identify and report abuse
- CHCCCS017Provide loss and grief support
- CHCCCS044Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
9 core units plus 3 specialisation electives (Ageing or Disability) and 3 additional electives. Dual adds the second specialisation — 18 units in total.
Delivery & duration
Day or evening. Built around a life that’s already full.
Day classes
Two structured classes a week in business hours, at all five centres. Best if your days are free and you want the momentum of regular face-to-face learning with your trainer and cohort.
Evening classes
Two classes a week in the evening, at all five centres. Best if you work during the day, study alongside another qualification or juggle family.
Online (self-paced)
Study around shifts, kids or a regional postcode. Eligibility applies — we’ll talk through your work history, tech set-up and placement plans first. Manual handling is done face-to-face at your nearest centre.
Vocational placement
120 hours of hands-on placement.
- Placement guaranteed — Sage sources and arranges it, you don’t find your own site
- Usually three weeks, as a block or spread across your enrolment
- Before you start: current National Police Certificate, immunisations per the host facility, and any extra checks the host requires (NDIS Worker Screening or Blue Card)
Where our students go on placement
- TriCare
- BlueCare
- Bolton Clarke
- Churches of Christ
- Regis
- Anglicare
- Ozcare
- Home Instead
- Jeta Gardens
Plus many more. Placement host depends on availability near you.
How long does it take?
Most students finish in around 16 weeks — classroom learning at your chosen centre plus a 120-hour placement at one of our aged care partner sites. Your enrolment period is 12 months, so there’s room if life gets in the way. Complete assessments on time and get placement paperwork in early and you can finish sooner. Already worked in aged care? Ask about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at your info session — it can cut both the time and the units you need.
Where can I study?
Day and evening availability varies by centre — ask us for the next intake near you.
Choose your specialisation
Ageing, Disability — or both.
Same Certificate III. Pick the specialisation that matches the work you want, or study Dual and qualify for both.
Ageing
$23 a unit
From $345 if eligible · $390 standard
Residential aged care, home care and community care.
- CHCAGE013Work effectively in aged care
- CHCAGE011Provide support to people living with dementia
- CHCPAL013Deliver care services using a palliative approach
Fee-for-service $2,985
Enrol in AgeingDisability
$23 a unit
From $345 if eligible · $390 standard
NDIS support work, community participation and supported living.
- CHCDIS011Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
- CHCDIS012Support community participation and social inclusion
- CHCDIS020Work effectively in disability support
Fee-for-service $2,985
Enrol in DisabilityDual
Just $450 more
or 3 × $150 · qualified for aged care and disability roles
$795 total if eligible ($840 standard) — about $44 a unit Save $2,640
Twice the employers, one course — aged care providers and NDIS disability services.
Fee-for-service $3,435
Enrol in DualFunding is subject to individual eligibility under Queensland Government Career Start rules. The $450 Dual top-up applies to students not yet employed as support workers; existing support workers may study all 18 units at the funded rate. Our recruitment team confirms your rate before you enrol.
Course fees
Most students are surprised by what they don’t pay.
Eligible Queensland residents are subsidised and pay only the student co-contribution; students in other states study fee-for-service or with a payment plan. Everyone else can still study — with a payment plan if that helps.
The Queensland Government covers the rest through the Career Start subsidy. Most Queensland residents qualify — one 60-second call confirms your rate. Eligible Career Start students also get access to one introductory skill set — see our <a href="/skill-sets/">skill sets</a>.
Not included in your course fee
- National Police CertificateRequired for placement. Approximately $50–$60, paid direct to the check provider.
- NDIS Worker Screening CheckRequired by some placement hosts. Free for students on placement.
- Blue Card (Working with Children Check)Required by some placement hosts. Free for students on placement.
- Printed certificate$50 including postage. Your digital certificate is emailed free as standard.
Refunds. Full refund if you withdraw within the 14-day cooling-off period. Government-funded students receive a full refund of the student contribution if enrolment is cancelled before training starts. Fee-for-service students: after the cooling-off period the full course fee is payable, even if you withdraw before completing — your payment plan continues. The full policy is in the Student Handbook.
Funding is subject to individual eligibility under Queensland Government Career Start rules. Fees shown are the student contribution for 15 units.
Full Career Start eligibility rules — read the details. Prefer to earn while you study? See Traineeships & Apprenticeships.
Funding eligibility
Don’t assume you’re eligible. Don’t assume you’re not.
Most Queensland residents qualify. One 60-second call confirms your rate — and whether a past qualification affects it.
You may qualify for Career Start funding if you:
- Are 15 or older and no longer at school
- Live permanently in Queensland
- Are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa
- Aren’t currently enrolled in another Queensland Government-funded qualification (even on hold or deferred)
- Haven’t completed a Certificate III or higher in the last 10 years — school qualifications don’t count against you
The $345 concessional rate also needs one of:
- A Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or DVA card — yours, or you’re a named dependent
- You identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- You have a disability
- You’re from a non-English speaking background
- You’re an adult prisoner
Not eligible for funding? The fee-for-service rate is $2,985 ($199 per unit), with payment plans available. Group or employer booking of 4 or more? Ask about fee-for-service discounts.
Career outcomes
One of Australia’s largest — and fastest-growing — jobs.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is the qualification aged care employers ask for. Our graduates work at Churches of Christ, Regis, TriCare, BlueCare, Bolton Clarke, Ozcare, Home Instead, Anglicare, Jeta Gardens and many more across South East Queensland.
- 400,000+more aged care workers needed by 2050
- Top 10occupation for projected growth in Australia
- Stronggrowth for Aged & Disabled Carers to 2028
- 120 hrsof placement before you graduate
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Reports; Aged Care Workforce Strategy. Labour market figures are indicative — not a guarantee of employment or earnings.
Roles this qualification leads to
- Personal Care Worker (PCW / PCA)
- Aged Care Support Worker
- Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
- Home Care Worker
- Community Care Worker
- Residential Care Worker
- In-Home Support Worker
Job titles and requirements vary between employers.
What a day looks like
You start with handover from the outgoing team. The morning is personal care — showers, dressing, mobility support — real conversation with the residents you’re caring for, and helping with breakfast. Mid-shift you might support a resident to an appointment, follow up a care plan change with the registered nurse, and document what you’ve observed. Every day is different, and the work matters — you’re the person who’s there.
Before you enrol
What you need to know.
Entry Requirements
- Must be at least 15 Years old
- have basic language and literacy skills
- must be able to obtain a federal police check
- must be vaccinated
Frequently asked
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a government subsidy?
Yes, you can. CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is subsidised under the Certificate 3 Guarantee Program. Therefore, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can study the entire course starting from only $345.
When can I start the course?
We have rolling intakes meaning you can start your course with us as soon as you like. You will have to attend an information session (virtual or face to face) depending on your mode of study before you can commence your course with us.
Can I study both Ageing and Disability specialisation?
Yes, you can definitely complete both specialisation for an additional fee of $399. Please note this cost may be only $60 if qualify to receive a government subsidy. Give us a call to understand how the funding works for skillsets.
Who will organise my vocational placement?
We will organise your vocational placement when you have completed all practical activities in class. Please note we may not send you for vocational placement if we are not fully satisfied with your performance in the classroom.
Do you guarantee a job?
No, we do not guarantee a job. However, the overwhelming majority of our graduates do secure a job as soon as they complete the course. In fact, many providers are hiring people even before completing the entire course.
How long does it take to complete this course?
The total duration of this course is 20 weeks, including 120 hours of vocational placement. However, we have students who complete this course in under 14 weeks.
I am an international student. Can I study with you?
Unfortunately, we are not an approved provider to deliver courses to international students. You will have to study with a CRICOS provider. You can find one here.
What’s the difference between the $345 and $390 rates?
The $345 rate is the concessional student contribution — it applies if you hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans’ Affairs card (your own or as a named dependent), identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, have a disability, come from a non-English speaking background, or are an adult prisoner. The $390 rate is the standard subsidised contribution for all other eligible Queensland students. Both are subsidised by the Queensland Government’s Career Start program.
I’ve already completed a Certificate III or higher — can I still get funding?
If you completed a Certificate III or higher within the last 10 years, you’re not eligible for Career Start funding. Qualifications you completed at school don’t count against you. If you’re not eligible, the fee-for-service rate is $2,985 with payment plans available.
Do I need to find my own placement?
No. Sage arranges your placement at one of our aged care partner sites. You’ll need a current National Police Certificate, up-to-date immunisations per the host facility, and any other checks the host requires before you start.
Is the Police Check included in the course fee?
No — the National Police Certificate (approximately $50–$60) is paid directly to the check provider and is separate from your course fee. We’ll guide you through how and when to apply.
Will I receive a printed certificate?
Your certificate is issued digitally as standard, at no cost — it’s emailed to you when you complete. A printed copy is available on request for $50 including postage.
Can I get a government subsidy?
Yes, for many of our courses. Sage is a Queensland Government Skills Assure Supplier, delivering subsidised training under Career Start (Certificate III) and Career Boost (Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and skill sets). Eligible students pay a small co-contribution. Some courses, including First Aid, aren’t subsidised. Talk to our team to find out what you qualify for.
Can I study online?
Yes, we do offer online delivery of some of our courses. However, you may need to attend a workshop to acquire practical skills mandatory for vocational placement.
We assess your situation at the time of enrolment and suggest an appropriate study mode.
Do you guarantee employment?
We do not guarantee employment. However, historically, most of your graduates secure employment as soon as they complete their course.
There is overwhelming employment demand currently, and you are very likely to secure a position if you follow our guidelines.
Who will organise my vocational placement?
We will organise your vocational placement when you’re ready to do so. However, please note that you must meet all requirements and acquire practical skills before your vocational placement is confirmed.
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Enquire
Ten minutes with an adviser. A real one.
We’ll check your funding eligibility, talk through campuses and timetables, and give you the next intake date. No pressure, no jargon.
- 1You send the formTakes 30 seconds. Only the details we need to call you back.
- 2An adviser calls youWithin 2 business hours — a real person from one of our centres.
- 3You get a clear answerYour exact fee, next intake, and the campus that suits you.
- RTO 5989
- 4.9★ Google
- Est. 1998
