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This is NOT a free course. Government funding is NOT available. Please see Payment Options section for fee information. Discounts or promotions may be available.
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Pay in Full & Save 20% | Flexible Payments Available | Start Anytime, No Waitlists.
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Transform Lives. Build Your Career. Study With a Trainer Who Knows Your Name.
Course Overview
Build a rewarding career in aged care and disability support with personal support every step of the way. This nationally recognised Certificate III qualifies you for in-demand roles earning $50,000-$68,000+ per year.
At NCVE, you’ll study online with a dedicated trainer who knows your name and responds to questions within hours—not days. Our small cohorts (just 30-40 students per trainer) mean you receive genuine one-on-one attention, not automated responses.
Complete 160 hours of guaranteed work placement with quality industry partners who often hire our graduates. Study flexibly around your work and family commitments, with proactive support when you need it most.
Graduate confident and job-ready with dual specialization in both aged care AND disability support—maximizing your career opportunities in Australia’s fastest-growing care sector.
Who's It For?
Perfect for career changers wanting meaningful work, current support workers seeking formal qualifications, or anyone passionate about providing compassionate care to older Australians. No prior experience required—this entry-level qualification is suitable for beginners.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
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Personal Care Worker
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Aged Care Worker
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Home Care Worker Disability Support Worker
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Residential Care Worker
What You'll Learn
Daily Living Support: Assist with personal hygiene, dressing, meals, mobility, transfers, and domestic tasks
Communication Skills: Active listening, communicating with people who have dementia, professional reporting, conflict resolution
Professional Conduct: Maintaining boundaries, recognizing abuse, working within scope, time management, teamwork
Person-Centered Approaches: Supporting choice, respecting preferences, promoting dignity, encouraging independence
Graduate confident in your ability to provide high-quality, person-centered care that genuinely improves people's lives.
Recognition
Study Method
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
Locations






- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Duration Study Load
Duration: Self-paced 12 month course, maximum 18 months to complete
Work Placement: 160 hours in a real care facility (we coordinate this for you)
Start Date: Enroll anytime—begin immediately with no waiting for intake dates
Total Study: Approximately 800-900 hours including online learning, assessments, and workplace placement
Flexibility: Study 24/7 on any device—laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Complete coursework early mornings, evenings, or weekends around your existing commitments. Most students complete in 10-14 months while working full-time.
Delivery
100% online learning with 160-hour work placement
Study anywhere, anytime on any device
Compatible with iOS/Android smartphones and tablets
We coordinate your work placement for you
Dedicated trainer support throughout
Entry Requirements
Age: 18 years or older
Residency: Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or eligible visa holder
Education: Year 11 completion recommended, but not essential if you have basic literacy and numeracy skills
Technology: Computer or tablet with camera, microphone, and internet connection
Pre-Placement Checks: National Police Check and Working With Vulnerable People Check (we'll guide you through the process)
Not sure if you qualify? Contact us—we'll help you work it out.
Course Features
Small Cohorts, Personal Attention 30-40:1 student-to-trainer ratio. Your trainer knows your name and circumstances.
Same Trainer Throughout One qualified professional guides you from enrollment to graduation.
Rapid Response Times Questions answered within hours, not days. Real trainers, not bots.
Quality Placements Coordinated We arrange your 160 hours with reputable aged care facilities. Many students receive job offers during placement.
Proactive Support We check in on your progress and reach out early if you're struggling.
Flexible 24/7 Platform Study on any device, anytime. Mobile-optimized.
No Traditional Exams Practical assessments that reflect real care work.
Transparent Pricing No hidden fees. Everything included upfront.
Work Placement
160 Hours of Guaranteed Work Placement
We arrange your placement with quality aged care facilities in your local area. Many students receive job offers during their placement.
What We Handle:
Finding your placement facility
All paperwork and coordination
Flexible scheduling (evenings, weekends, or full-time blocks available)
Ongoing support throughout your 160 hours
What You Need:
National Police Check (we guide you through this)
Working With Vulnerable People Check (state requirements vary)
Commitment to 160 hours (flexible scheduling available)
We take care of the hard parts—you focus on learning.
Recognition Of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) meaning that you have supporting evidence of any prior education and work experience. This can either reduce your study load or shorten the duration of your course. After enrolment, you'll need to contact Student Support so they can arrange a dedicated trainer to assess your eligibility for either RPL or CT.
Professional Recognition
Nationally Recognised Training This qualification is nationally recognised throughout Australia under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Course Code: CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
Delivered by: National College of Vocational Education (NCVE) RTO Number: 90283
Recognition: Your certificate is recognised by all Australian employers in aged care, disability support, community services, and health sectors. This qualification meets national industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Professional Registration: This qualification provides the foundational training required to work in:
Aged care facilities (residential and home care)
Disability support services (NDIS providers)
Community care organizations
Health and community service sectors
Career Pathways: This Certificate III is your foundation for further study and career progression:
Certificate IV in Ageing Support
Certificate IV in Disability
Diploma of Community Services
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing)
Specialized dementia care qualifications
Leadership and management pathways
Industry Alignment: Our training aligns with current industry standards, safety protocols, and person-centered care approaches valued by employers.
Assessment
Short answer questions
Video demonstrations
Case studies
Role plays with volunteers
Workplace observations during placement
Reflective journals
Materials
Everything Included—No Hidden Costs
Online Learning:
Comprehensive modules for all 15 units
Video demonstrations and tutorials
Interactive activities and scenarios
Downloadable study guides and checklists
Assessment templates
Platform Access:
24/7 access on any device
Progress tracking
Assessment submission portal
Secure messaging with trainer
Placement Resources:
Preparation guides
Professional conduct guidelines
Documentation templates
Safety resources
What You Provide:
Computer/tablet with camera and microphone
Internet connection
Microsoft Office or equivalent (free alternatives available)
2-3 people for role-play practice
No textbook purchases. No surprise charges. All digital.
Testimonials
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"My trainer at NCVE made all the difference. She knew my name, remembered my circumstances, and genuinely cared whether I finished. That personal connection kept me motivated through the tough times. I'm now working in a beautiful aged care facility and love what I do."Lisa TCertificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
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"I hadn't studied in over 20 years and was terrified. The support at NCVE was incredible—patient, encouraging, and always available when I needed help. I never felt alone in my learning. My trainer celebrated every small win with me."Michael RCertificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
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"As a working single parent, I needed genuine flexibility. NCVE understood my situation and worked with me. I studied late at night and early mornings, and my trainer was always responsive and supportive. I couldn't have done this anywhere else."Priya SCertificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
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"I tried online learning before with another provider and quit after 3 months because I felt so lost. NCVE was completely different. My trainer checked in on me proactively, noticed when I went quiet, and reached out with help. I graduated because someone actually cared."David NCertificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
Additional Information
Student Support:
Study skills assistance
Wellbeing support and counseling connections
Career guidance (resume help, interview prep)
Technical support
Important Policies:
Completion timeframe: Maximum 18 months
Privacy protected under Australian Privacy Principles
Clear complaints and appeals process
Cooling-off period and refunds available
Reasonable adjustments for learning needs
Subjects
About National College of Vocational Education
Education That Puts You First, Not ProfitsNational College of Vocational Education (NCVE) was founded on a simple belief: vocational education should be personal, practical, and built around student success—not corporate quotas.While other RTOs process thousands of students through automated systems, we've deliberately stayed boutique. Why? Because we've seen too many students fall through the cracks at larger providers. At NCVE, you'll never be just another enrollment number.What Makes NCVE DifferentSmaller Cohorts, Better Results – Our student-to-trainer ratios mean you get real attention, not templated responsesResponsive Support – Questions answered in hours, not days. Real people, real helpIndustry-Connected – Our trainers are current industry professionals, not just qualified teachersPlacement Success – We don't just "guarantee" placements—we ensure they're quality experiences that lead to jobsFlexibility Without Compromise – Study online at your pace, but with structured support to keep you on trackNationally Recognised, Locally TrustedOur qualifications are nationally recognised across Australia, meeting the same standards as any RTO. But we go further. We partner with employers in your area to ensure your training translates directly into employment opportunities.Support That Actually SupportsFrom your first enquiry to graduation and beyond, you'll have access to dedicated trainers, career advisors, and student support coordinators who know your name and your goals. We track our success by your success—and our completion rates prove it.NCVE: Where smaller means stronger, and your success is personal.
