TAFE NSW
4-8 months depending on study mode
Become a support worker equipped to help vulnerable people achieve their goals. This nationally recognised Certificate III teaches you practical skills in community services, from managing conflict to providing client-centred support across diverse sectors including mental health, disability, and family violence services.
For traineeship pathway: You must be employed as a trainee and your ACAP must submit your Training Proposal Plan. For non-traineeship: No formal entry requirements. Recommended foundation skills include empathy, patience, interest in connecting with people, confidence with computers and Microsoft Word, good literacy and communication skills, and ability to understand everyday documents and perform basic maths. Some campuses may have additional location-specific requirements.
The course comprises 12 units of competency: 5 core units covering responding to client needs, communication, working with diverse people, safe work practices, and managing personal stressors. Seven specialty units are selected from 56 options including alcohol and other drugs support, domestic and family violence response, mental health support, disability support, crisis intervention, first aid, financial literacy education, parenting and wellbeing education, working with forced migrants, homelessness support, youth engagement, and community development frameworks.
TAFE NSW is a leading vocational education provider with 59 study locations across New South Wales, offering flexible delivery options including on-campus, online, hybrid, and workplace training. The course includes practical experience in simulated organisations like the Indigo Community Services and Health Hub, and TAFE NSW recognises prior learning and work experience through credit transfers, helping you complete your qualification faster.
Graduates progress into roles such as Welfare Support Workers, Disability Support Workers, Residential Assistants, Support Facilitators, and Community Services Support Workers. With strong employment growth projected, you can work across housing, mental health, disability, multicultural, financial, youth, and domestic violence services. The qualification also provides a strong pathway to further study at Certificate IV or Diploma level in community services, mental health, disability support, or alcohol and other drugs.
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