Course Description
The CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) is a Nationally Recognised qualification designed to prepare you for meaningful work supporting older people and individuals with disabilities in a variety of care settings.
If you're interested in becoming an aged care worker, disability support worker, or personal care assistant, this course provides hands-on learning to build your confidence and capability. You'll learn how to deliver person-centred support, promote independence and well-being, and provide daily assistance with empathy and professionalism, helping clients live with dignity and quality of life.
This dual-focus qualification equips you with the skills and confidence to provide essential support across both aged care and disability settings, giving you broader career options and more flexibility in the workplace. In this course, you'll learn to:
- Deliver person-centred support to older individuals and people with disability – reflecting the gold standard in care across Australia's support services
- Support daily living activities and promote independence – essential in empowering clients while maintaining their dignity and quality of life
- Apply safe work practices and infection control procedures – vital in protecting both yourself and the people you care for in residential, home and community settings
- Recognise and respond to changing client needs – preparing you to work with empathy and professionalism in dynamic care environments
- Use effective communication and build trusted relationships – a key skill for building rapport with clients, families and teams
- Work legally, ethically, and with cultural sensitivity – ensuring you meet current industry standards and deliver respectful, inclusive care
- Gain skills across both ageing and disability sectors – offering you more job opportunities, greater flexibility, and the chance to work in diverse environments
With practical training embedded throughout, you'll graduate ready to step into the workforce with real experience and a nationally recognised qualification that speaks to two growing areas of demand.
To enter into study for this qualification, you must fulfil the following requirements:
- Be aged 15 years or older at time of enrolment
- Be self-motivated to learn on your own
- Have basic computer skills
- Have reliable internet connection
- Have a working computer or laptop
- Deal with physical demands of manual tasks (e.g., bending, squatting, repetitive movements)
- Be on your feet for extended periods of time
- Ability to apply for and obtain relevant regulatory clearances and checks (see Vocational Placement section for further info)
As part of your qualification, you will acquire valuable on-the-job experience. We can locate a host employer/organisation for your vocational placement. Our strong partnerships with local community service organisations allow you to develop the necessary skills while potentially building essential connections with future employers.
Students must complete at least 120 hours in direct support work at one or more aged care, home and community, disability, or community services organisations as part of their Certificate III in Individual Support.
In addition, before commencing placement, you must have:
- COVID-19 Vaccinations – recommended
- Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
- NDIS Workers Screening Clearance
- National Police Clearance
- Influenza Vaccination (annually) – recommended
This qualification is funded by the QLD Government (Department of Trade, Employment and Training) under the Career Start program. Subject to eligibility, you will be required to pay a co-contribution fee dependent on your concessional status. Queensford College have set the co-contribution fees as follows:
Concessional Fee
$30.00
$2.00 per unit
Non-Concessional Fee
$60.00
$4.00 per unit
Your Study Journey
From enrolment to graduation, we're with you every step of the way. Here's how your journey unfolds.
Enrol
Check your Career Start funding eligibility in minutes and enrol online. Our admissions team will guide you every step of the way.
Learn
Access your online learning portal 24/7 and study at your own pace, with support from experienced industry trainers.
Work
Gain real-world experience with 120 hours of work placement — with a host employer we find for you.
Graduate
Earn a nationally recognised qualification and step into one of Australia's fastest-growing industries.
Graduate Success Stories
Maria S.
“I'd spent ten years in hospitality and knew I wanted work that actually meant something. Studying with Queensford College fit around my kids' school hours, and the trainers genuinely cared about getting us job-ready. My placement at a residential aged care facility turned into a job offer before I'd even finished. Twelve months on, I'm a permanent care worker and I've never once dreaded a Monday. The residents I support feel like extended family.”
Priya V.
“Moving to Australia, I wasn't sure how to turn my passion for caring into a career. Queensford College made the pathway clear from day one — the practical training built my confidence, and my placement supervisor became my first professional reference. I now work in community aged care, helping older people stay independent in their own homes. Every visit reminds me why I chose this. My next goal is the Certificate IV, and I know exactly where I'll study it.”
Karen B.
“After twenty years raising a family, going back to study was terrifying. The team at Queensford College never made me feel behind — they met me where I was. The training meant that by the time I started my placement, I already felt capable. I'm now working in a dementia support unit, and honestly, my life experience turned out to be my greatest asset. It's never too late to start again.”
Daniel F.
“I was working in a warehouse and felt completely stuck. A mate suggested disability support, and Queensford College made the switch easier than I expected. The trainers brought real industry experience, so everything we learned connected straight to the job. I now support young adults with intellectual disabilities to build independent living skills — helping someone catch a bus on their own for the first time beats any pay rise I ever got. Best decision I've made.”
Maria S.
“I'd spent ten years in hospitality and knew I wanted work that actually meant something. Studying with Queensford College fit around my kids' school hours, and the trainers genuinely cared about getting us job-ready. My placement at a residential aged care facility turned into a job offer before I'd even finished. Twelve months on, I'm a permanent care worker and I've never once dreaded a Monday. The residents I support feel like extended family.”
Priya V.
“Moving to Australia, I wasn't sure how to turn my passion for caring into a career. Queensford College made the pathway clear from day one — the practical training built my confidence, and my placement supervisor became my first professional reference. I now work in community aged care, helping older people stay independent in their own homes. Every visit reminds me why I chose this. My next goal is the Certificate IV, and I know exactly where I'll study it.”
Karen B.
“After twenty years raising a family, going back to study was terrifying. The team at Queensford College never made me feel behind — they met me where I was. The training meant that by the time I started my placement, I already felt capable. I'm now working in a dementia support unit, and honestly, my life experience turned out to be my greatest asset. It's never too late to start again.”
Daniel F.
“I was working in a warehouse and felt completely stuck. A mate suggested disability support, and Queensford College made the switch easier than I expected. The trainers brought real industry experience, so everything we learned connected straight to the job. I now support young adults with intellectual disabilities to build independent living skills — helping someone catch a bus on their own for the first time beats any pay rise I ever got. Best decision I've made.”
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