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Aged Care
In Australia's growing care sector, obtaining a CertificateIII in Individual Support opens doors tofulfilling careers helping vulnerable populations. This qualificationserves as the foundation for two particularly in-demand pathways:aged care and disability support. While these fields share commonground in providing person-centred care, they offer distinct careerexperiences, challenges, and rewards.
At APEX Training, we prepare students for success in bothspecialisations through our comprehensive aged care coursetraining programs. Let's explore how these career paths compareand what you might expect from each.
Before diving into the differences, it's important to understand thatboth aged care and disability support roles stem from the samequalification base. The CertificateIII in Individual Support equips students withessential skills applicable across care settings:
This shared foundation explains why many care professionals find theycan transition between aged care and disability support throughouttheir careers, carrying valuable skills and insights betweensettings.
Aged care workers provide assistance to older Australians inresidential facilities, community settings, or private homes. Dailyresponsibilities typically include:
Our aged care course online particularly emphasises theimportance of understanding age-related conditions like dementia,arthritis, and cardiovascular issues, preparing graduates for thespecific needs of the elderly population.
The aged care specialisation in our CertificateIII in Individual Support places particularemphasis on:
Through our industry partnerships, students complete at least 120hours of practical placement in aged care settings, working alongsideexperienced professionals to apply classroom learning in real-worldcontexts.
The aged care sector offers a range of employment opportunities:
According to recent industry data, the average starting salary forCertificate III qualified aged care workers is approximately$52,000-$58,000 per annum, with opportunities for advancement throughadditional qualifications and specialisation.
Career progression in aged care might follow paths such as:
Many aged care professionals also choose to upskill with CertificateIV in Ageing Support or Diploma of Community Services to move intomanagement roles, with corresponding salary increases.
Disability support workers assist people with varying abilities tolive their best lives across different settings. Theirresponsibilities typically include:
Our specialised components within the CertificateIII in Individual Supportprepare students for the diverse nature of disabilitysupport, emphasising the social model of disability and rights-basedapproaches to care.
The disability support specialisation places particular emphasis on:
Our partnerships with disability service providers ensure studentsgain practical experience with diverse client groups, developingconfidence in adapting support approaches for individual needs.
Disability support roles can be found in various settings:
Starting salaries for qualified disability support workers typicallyrange from $54,000-$60,000 per annum, with NDIS funding drivingcontinued growth in employment opportunities.
Career progression in disability support might include:
Many disability professionals pursue further qualifications such asCertificate IV in Disability or Diploma of Community Services toadvance their careers and specialise in areas like complex needssupport or coordination.
Both career paths require significant emotional resilience andself-awareness. At APEX Training, our CertificateIII in Individual Support curriculum incorporatesspecific training on:
These skills are essential for longevity in care professions, whereemotional demands can be significant. Our trainers, with extensiveindustry experience, share practical strategies for maintainingwellbeing while providing high-quality care.
When deciding between aged care and disability supportspecialisations within your Certificate III in Individual Support,consider:
Whether you choose aged care, disability support, or both pathways,the Certificate III in Individual Support provides theessential foundation for a rewarding career making a meaningfuldifference in people's lives.
The care sector in Australia continues to experience significantgrowth, with government projections indicating more than 50,000 newjobs will be created in these fields over the next five years. Thismakes now an ideal time to enter these essential professions.
At APEX Training, we're committed to producing work-ready graduateswho bring both technical competence and genuine compassion to theirroles. Our industry-led curriculum, experienced trainers, andcomprehensive placement program ensure you'll be well-prepared forthe challenges and rewards of supporting others.
Ready to explore your career options with a Certificate III inIndividual Support or aged care course online? Contact ourcareer advisors today to discuss which pathway might best suit youraspirations and strengths.
What’s the differencebetween the Aged Care and Disability Support streams?
TheAged Care stream focuses on elder-specific needs—dementia care,fall prevention and end-of-life support—whereas Disability Supportemphasises positive behaviour strategies, assistive technology andcommunity inclusion. Both share the same core Certificate III unitsbut tailor your placements and skillsets to each sector.
Howlong does it take to complete Certificate III in Individual Support?
Most full-time students finish in 6–12 months, including themandatory 120 hours of practical placement. Part-time, online orrecognition-of-prior-learning options can extend duration to 18months, depending on your study mode.
CanI work in both sectors with one qualification?
Yes. YourCertificate III gives you flexibility to work in aged-care homes,home-care services, disability group homes or community programs.Many professionals move between sectors, leveraging sharedperson-centred care skills.
Whatare the entry requirements for this course?
Generally, youneed to be at least 18 years old, hold basic literacy/numeracy skillsand pass a National Police Check and (where required) Working withVulnerable People clearance. Some providers may also request a briefinterview.
Isgovernment funding available for this training?
In moststates, Certificate III in Individual Support is eligible forsubsidised training under Smart and Skilled (NSW), Free TAFE (VIC),Skills First (VIC), Queensland’s User Choice, and similar VETfunding programs. Check your local training.gov.au page for exacteligibility.
DoI need to attend on-campus classes, or can I study online?
Many RTOs offer a blended model: online theory modules combined withscheduled on-campus skill sessions and face-to-face assessments.Ensure your provider meets the 120 hours of in-field placementrequirements.
Whatcareer progression opportunities exist after Certificate III?
Graduates often move into roles such as Team Leader or Senior SupportWorker. Upskilling with Certificate IV in Ageing Support, CertificateIV in Disability or Diploma of Community Services can lead toCoordinator, Case Manager or Manager positions.
Howdo I choose between aged care and disability support?
Reflect on your personal affinity and working style: do you enjoyconsistent routines and supporting seniors’ dignity, or do youthrive on varied days, empowering people with disabilities incommunity settings? Your ideal fit will influence your placementexperiences and long-term satisfaction.
My name is Adaeze Aniefuna, a trainer and assessor in Apex Training Institute. I have 15 years of experience teaching students both young and old with the ability to edit, develop and design curriculums. In 2016, I moved to Australia and have worked in the aged care and disability sector while completing my Masters. I worked part-time as a disability support worker for CareChoice Agency, Cerebral Palsy Support Network (CPSN), Healthcare Australia (HCA), Mable and for private clients.
I was able to do this course online, and staff of apex used to respond my emails and queries whenever I encountered within short span of time which I found helpful, and they also helped me in finding my placement in my nearby locations, which was a great help.
“Apex Institute taught me detailed knowledge and skills needed for this great career of Disability and Age care. Infact, their great intelligent and skillful tutors, good teaching environment, availability of teaching/ training equipment, and even self explanatory course contents are all superb.I am confident that the knowledge and skills instilled in me by Apex institute and practical skills acquired during my placement would be essential and useful for me in this great career.”
Due to the flexibility of the course program its highly encouraging
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