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Overview
In Australia, the demand for skilled workers in aged and disabled care is rising, with hundreds of thousands needed by 2030-2050 due to changes in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and an ageing population. Job opportunities for Aged and Disabled Carers are projected to increase by 28% to 2026.*
Learn how to support and care for individuals in their homes or in residential care facilities with us. With this qualification, you can work as part of a team to provide personalised support for people who need help due to ageing, disability, or other reasons.
Get ready to launch your career in this expanding field! Designed with input from industry experts and aged care service providers, this program will help you earn your qualification and open doors to various careers in social services.
*Employment Outlook - Projecting Employment to 2026,
National Skills Commission, Australian Government
Study Mode and Times
Course List
Learning and Career Outcomes
1 / What and how will you learn?
All core and elective units are structured over a 10-week study period, followed by one week of work placement and two weeks of holidays, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments. You will complete units term by term, enabling you to showcase your completed subjects to potential employers and enhance your chances of employment.
You will learn about:
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Infection prevention and work health and safety
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Communication, diversity, and law
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Body health
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Empowerment
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Independence and well-being
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Ageing specialization
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Disability specialization
Work Placement
To attain this qualification, you will have to complete 120 hours of work placements at leading social service organizations in both aged care and disability settings. FOCUS will arrange your work placement with our supported care service providers. Alternatively, self-sourced placements are permitted with prior approval from the College.
Assessment Methods
Most units will be assessed through three tasks: Knowledge Assessment, Case Studies, and Workplace Assessment. Some units may also require Practical Assignments or Simulated Assessments, conducted in a simulated health daycare center environment.
2 / Career Pathways
This course is a foundational qualification that sets you up to work in roles across aged care, disability support, and community settings, often working under supervision and following an individualized plan.
Possible Career Pathways and Job Titles:
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Direct Care Roles:
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Personal Carer / Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
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Aged Care Worker
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Disability Support Worker
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Residential Care Worker
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Home Care Assistant
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Care Assistant
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Assistant in Nursing (Nurse’s Aid)
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Support and Accommodation Roles:
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Accommodation Support Worker
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Community Care Worker / Community House Worker
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Wider Support Roles:
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Family Support Worker
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3 / Further Study
This qualification provides a solid foundation for a career where you can make a genuine difference in people's lives, with job prospects expected to increase significantly. It also serves as a pathway for further study, such as the Certificate IV in Mental Health or the Diploma in Community Services, allowing you to refine your career towards more specific roles and teams.
