Wodonga TAFE
12 months
Prepare for a rewarding career supporting older adults and people with complex needs in aged care and community settings. This Certificate IV equips you with skills in activity planning, group facilitation, and person-centred care to work as an activities officer or diversional therapy assistant.
You must be at least 17 years old at the time of your first clinical placement. A Working with Children's Check is compulsory, and you may need to obtain a National Police Check and NDIS Worker Clearance Check. Current immunisation records (Fluvax and 3 x COVID vaccines) must be provided for placement. You should be physically fit for the role, as it involves standing for long periods, bending, supporting clients during movement, manual handling of equipment, lifting up to approximately 10kg, and other physical demands. Prior completion of Certificate III in Individual Support is beneficial but not required.
The course covers comprehensive knowledge and skills for leisure and health work. Core areas include designing and implementing health and leisure activities, using targeted communication to build relationships with clients, and applying sociological concepts to understand human behaviour. You will learn to facilitate groups effectively, plan individualised programs for clients with complex needs, and provide support to people living with dementia. The curriculum includes practical skills such as assisting with movement, responding to challenging behaviours, and maintaining safe work environments. You will also study team leadership, professional practice reflection, volunteer management, and legal and ethical frameworks relevant to aged care and community services.
Wodonga TAFE is a registered training organisation (RTO 3097) offering nationally recognised AQF qualifications. The course is delivered through a blended learning approach combining face-to-face classes with online support via Moodle, allowing flexibility while ensuring critical learning occurs during scheduled sessions. The institution provides comprehensive support services, including accommodation assistance, campus facilities, and career guidance. As part of the Free TAFE initiative, eligible individuals can access this qualification at no cost, making quality aged care training accessible to all.
Graduates can pursue careers as activities officers, diversional therapy assistants, community leisure officers, leisure officers, disability officers in day support, and recreation activities officers. Employment opportunities exist in residential aged care facilities, nursing homes, hostels, adult day activity centres, and community agencies. The qualification provides pathways to further study, including Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance or university-level qualifications in diversional therapy. The aged care sector offers growing employment opportunities as demand for quality aged care services continues to increase.