VET Courses vs. Higher Education: Choosing the Right Path
Published 16 Jun 2020
Free vs Paid Disability Courses: The Difference Explained
Candlefox Disability Courses
If you’re hoping to build a career in disability services then it’s important to look at what the right pathway is for you. These days there are so many different free and paid courses available online, it can be hard to know what to choose. There are positives for both, but it’s important to know what they both offer so that you can ensure you’re getting the right education for your career path.
Free Disability Course
Free courses are a great way to gather a basic understanding of what being a disability care worker entails; they will give a general overview and allow you to learn about disability services at a surface level. If you’re unsure about whether you really want to work in disability services, then a free course will allow you to dip your toe in the water to see if you want to pursue it further and undertake the necessary certified training.
Benefits of a free course include:
Be aware that free courses are all self-led, as they don’t include an assessment component. They also tend to span across a longer period of time due to the lack of structure and deadlines, and are not accredited.
Paid Disability Course
Paid disability courses provide you with a guaranteed qualification, which will make you a stronger candidate when applying for jobs. The content and components of paid disability courses are significantly richer as time, money and resources have been put in to deliver high quality materials, in easy to follow and well-structured formats.
Undertaking tertiary study with a trusted education provider will not only give you the confidence to provide individualised support to patients with disabilities, but also give you industry-recognised certification that will allow you to become a high-value employee.
What you can expect from a paid course:
One of the leading benefits of paid courses is that you can expect to have access to experienced industry professionals within the disability sector, who will guide and mentor you through training in disability care. They will be there to support you, answer questions and give insight from their own experiences in the industry to help you become the best carer you can be.
Whether the course be online or in the classroom, nothing beats having an teacher who can curate the course content to meet your learning style.
Why a Disability Course?
Working in disability care can be an extremely rewarding career as you get to empower and help people with disabilities gain more confidence, independence and self-reliance. In some circumstances, more intensive support may be required but at the end of the day the aim is to promote community participation as well as overall better quality of life.
Free courses will kick start your journey to becoming a disability care worker by providing you with the basics. However, a paid course will provide you with an in-depth curriculum and the necessary skills and qualifications to turn your dream of helping others into a reality.
Both free and paid disability courses have their benefits and drawbacks. The most important thing is to understand how they differ, and how that relates to your future.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC Only) CHC50121
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Educators at this level are responsible for...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +1
Job Outcomes Early Childhood Coordinator +6
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (VIC Only) CHC33021
Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) qualification reflects the role of workers in the community and/or residential setting who follow an individualised plan to provide person-centred support to people who may require support due to ageing,...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Personal Care Worker +3
Diploma of Nursing (SA Only) HLT54115
Build a career that’s meaningful, fills you with a sense of purpose, and provides diverse job opportunities, with this Diploma of Nursing course. Offered via a blend of on-campus and online learning the HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing is the ideal starting...
in partnership with
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia
Job Outcomes Enrolled Nurse
in partnership with
Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (VIC ONLY) SHB40115
This nationally recognised course, allows you the chance to flourish in the world of beauty and pursue a career in your niche, whether it be spray tanning, waxing, make-up, lash application and nail services. Hands-on training in The Studio, practical...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Beauty therapist +2
Certificate III in Beauty Services (Geelong Only) SHB30115
This nationally recognised course, qualifies you to work in the beauty and self-care industry. Learning the art of pampering and beauty treatments in a salon or day spa, you will get the chance to learn and train at the state-of-the-art STUDIO salon, w...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Beauty therapist +1
Certificate III in Floristry (Geelong Only) SFL30115
This nationally recognised course, provides the chance to level up your love of flowers. A course designed for budding florists who dream of styling weddings, running their very own floristry business, or simply designing beautiful bouquets. Your love...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Florist +2
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) (Geelong Only) 22477VIC
This course prepares you for a career as a building designer, with the practical skills, knowledge and qualifications to work in the residential and commercial design and construction sectors. This course also gives you a great edge if you’re planning...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria
Job Outcomes Draftsperson in building des... +1
Certificate III in Pathology Collection (Geelong & Werribee Only) HLT37215
This nationally recognised course, is ideal for those who loves a structured environment, have a natural curiosity for science, and enjoy being super organised. Our Pathology Collector course delivers a 6 month, hands-on journey, where you’ll mas...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria +1
Job Outcomes Pathology specimen collector... +1
Diploma of Nursing (Geelong & Werribee Only) HLT54121
This nationally recognised, Free TAFE course is designed for individuals who love to care for others, learn and work in the health and medical sector. With a focus on practical skills and knowledge, this course empowers you to register as an enrolled n...
Study Method In-class
Location Geelong Victoria +1
Job Outcomes Enrolled nurse in a variety of sett...
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC40110
If you are an aspiring or working tradesperson, here is your foundation for success. This is your first step towards starting your own building business and preparing for the builders registration. We understand that you could be a busy tradie by day,...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Job Outcomes Site manager +3
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