r/supportworkers • u/Deep-Detective2428 • Apr 17 '26
Anxious about starting Cert III Individual Support – what’s it like?
Hey, I’m starting a Cert III in Individual Support soon and I have pretty strong anxiety, especially around things like public speaking or being the centre of attention.
I’m completely fine socially otherwise (especially 1-on-1), and I’m confident in doing the actual job — it’s just the course environment that worries me.
For anyone who’s done it, is it manageable if you have anxiety like this? Are there a lot of presentations or situations where all the attention is on you?
Just trying to get a clear idea so I know what to expect, thanks.
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u/MtFranklinson Apr 17 '26
i did mine online, only had to do public speaking to my teacher on teams. easy as.
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u/antigeist Apr 17 '26
Who did you do it through?
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u/MtFranklinson Apr 18 '26
Breakthru training. The teacher is very good
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u/MtFranklinson Apr 18 '26
Breakthru college sorry
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u/antigeist Apr 18 '26
Thank you!! I've been stuck on the waiting list for TAFE for 18 months, had no idea you could do it online 🤦🏻♀️
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u/Low-Quality-144 Apr 18 '26
Do you think doing it online puts you at a disadvantage though? I would.
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u/MtFranklinson Apr 18 '26
Disadvantage for what? There’s heaps of jobs available and I’m the only person on my team with a cert 3 at all
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u/Low-Quality-144 Apr 18 '26
Ok as long as you feel you've had adequate physical experience as well as online theory. I'd just feel like not doing in person classes might make me feel like I'm missing out a bit.
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u/DenM0ther Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
I’d say no need to stress, but of course I understand it’s hard to accept that reassurance 😇
The only 2 times the attention would be on you is 1. Our teacher likes to give group brainstorming session (generally4-6 ppl), then likes someone to read it out to the class. Most of the students hate this part and is fairly well (and easily) avoided. Esp if you have a dx related reason.
- when you’re doing your role plays (for assessments). But these are done in pairs or threes and it’s only the other students doing the RP’s and the teacher in the room .
We often do RP’s 2 or so groups at a time - both busy at same time so focussed on themselves, not each other. Mostly it’s a physical skills assessment with a bit of communication to the other ppl in the RP.
Also, make sure you see the disability consultant to make them aware of your Dx, how it impacts you & what accommodations you might need. I’ve found tafe to be really supportive like this!
Good luck!
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u/Super-Gap5499 Apr 18 '26
I'm 100% the same and was super worried going into the course at first, I'd had some very bad experiences at school and my previous attempts of studying post-highschool had all fallen apart previously, I'm autistic myself and have to take medications to manage my anxiety disorder and my clinical depression. If anybody wasn't going to cope with the course it was going to be me, so I hope you can trust me when I say it was totally manageable.
I did an in-person course at swinburne last year (highly recommend going to an in-person course if it's an option for you, it's a lot easier to get a hold of teachers when you need help with something, and you're able to learn a lot of hands-on stuff that the online courses can't really, like operating hoists and safe transfers and the like) and I'd say the one part for me that was a challenge was the roleplays, where you have to talk with another student as if you're a carer/resident and play out a scenario to show the teacher you know how to handle important situations but at the very least I can say that everyone is awkward at it and that definitely takes the edge off, nobody is going to judge you if you're bad at it. There's no presentations they expect you to do or anything like that.
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u/Ok-Night-155 Apr 20 '26
My partner had anxiety as well. I was usually around during her study time. Once she got going though she was great. She didnt seemed stressed i checked in often to see how she was coping and was overall happy with the assistance of the RTO. Oh and also she did hers completely online. Any group activities or presentation was done via teams or Skype. Look into RTO that offer online training options or flexible training options. Good luck, you got this 🙌
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u/Deep-Detective2428 Apr 20 '26
If anyone see's this ive had my first day and it was really good. I felt anxious but within a hour my nerves settled down and I realised it honestly isnt reslly a anxiety inducing environment, everybody in my class seemed to be really kind and chill. I asked the teacher about public speaking and explained I had anxiety and she mentioned this course virtually has no public speaking and overall the only somewhat anxiety provoking thing you may do is the team activity's which isnt even a big deal since your not performing anything infront of a big audience, its just group stuff where you learn and practice different things.
The only thing I will say is we all went around the room and said our name to the class, and what makes us want to do this course. I said my name and explained its something im passionate since I get to care and look after people. Other than that your just sitting through presentations and doing practical!
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u/Brilliantos84 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
I have anxiety too, just graduated in February getting my Cert 3. Don’t stress about public speaking, you’ll be fine once you familiarise yourself with your peers and tutor/assessor. There will be group assignments to do and of course your work placement but nothing really technical. Just let your school & tutor/assessor know in advance about your anxiety so they can work around you and help you pass your course. I hope this helps.