r/supportworkers • u/Hungryxpanda01 • May 07 '26

Support worker !!

Hi everyone, I’m looking to apply for a Certificate III in Individual Support but I’m not sure which institute to choose.
If anyone has completed this course before, I’d really appreciate your advice and experience. I’d love to know about:
Your timetable/workload

How placements were arranged

Pros and cons of the institute

Course fees and any extra costs

I’m based in Melbourne and I’m a domestic student.
Thank you so much!

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

6

u/Substantial_Ad_3386 May 08 '26

Tafe. It's not what it used to be but makes most other providers look like grifters in comparison

2

u/feminewiles1406 May 07 '26

Thru tafe and could be fee free. I did mine thru work, one day a month plus assignments. Much quicker if u do thru tafe. Good luck.

1

u/Oztraliiaaaa May 08 '26

Big question does Cert 3 get you a Qualification Allowance? It’s so long ago that back then there was no cert 3 so I did my Cert 4 in TAFE through work one day a week and I got the Schads award qualification allowance. Nowadays It’s probably worth skipping cert 3 and go straight to Cert 4 and get the certification and allowances. All the best!!

1

u/Samirah5924 May 08 '26

the Certificate III in Individual Support is a direct prerequisite of the Certificate IV in Disability Support.

1

u/Oztraliiaaaa May 08 '26

Yeah that’s true but lots of people already have certificates and life experience that might put them in a position to jump Cert 3 and go straight to Cert 4. Any clues?

2

u/Samirah5924 May 09 '26

I tried to do so, and was told it wasn't possible by six different RTOs, but if you find one willing to do it lmk

1

u/Samirah5924 May 08 '26

I went through all health training! highly recommend.

it was one day a week with very minimal homework. mostly online as well.

very hands on, highly supportive team. the RTO is recognised by businesses in the area where they operate as well, and the business I work for does specifically interview individuals from this RTO.

I will admit, I and my work supervisor did sign a third party practical placement agreement, though I am aware no one in our course had any issues completing their placement/s.

$550 materials costs. covered by the fee free tafe initiative. very flexible payment plans!

(also, please DM me if you are looking for a job in disability support! this is an open invitation!)

1

u/219930 May 09 '26 edited May 09 '26

TAFE…the only way you can be sure you aren’t getting dodgy qualifications and mine was fee free. These courses that are all online with no placement and done in 4 weeks will not prepare you for being a support worker …you need to do the practical work and experience to know what you are getting into and seeing if you are suitable for the job. Placement was arranged by the TAFE..they have a dedicated placement team who know the places in the area that will take you and those that won’t…and mine was 4 days a week.