Starting your career as a Support Worker.

Being a Support Worker is a rewarding profession, with many Support Workers finding passion from helping and improving someone’s quality of life on a daily basis.  

Most days are different from the one before and you get to support someone in a home setting or out in the community.  

Because of the hands on nature of being a Support Worker, having initiative, being a problem solver and being dependable are just a few key attributes needed to have a successful career in the support sector.  If we’re talking your language, let’s continue!

There are key documents and checks that you need to have before becoming a Support Worker.  While each employer may have their own specific requirements, the mandatory documents to obtain are listed below, as well as a link for how to obtain the documentation.  Some documents are free to apply for and others may have costs associated.
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Mandatory Documentation:

To be the most prepared for your career in the support sector, and ensuring you have the basic fundamentals for learning about the different types of situations and skills needed for this profession, it is highly recommended to complete your Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021).

This qualification is taught by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and teaches workers in home and/or community settings, for how to follow an individualised plan to provide person-centred support to people who may require support.

Course length and costs vary by RTO, which most classes being offered as a subsidised rate.  You can find employment in the support sector while you’re actively working towards completing your Certificate III and earn money while you learn!

To learn more about enroling in a Certificate III in Individual Support course, view our RTO list below.

While you’re finishing, or have completed, your Certificate III in Individual Support, you are ready to begin your journey for providing care to others, and helping to improve their quality of life.

By creating a free profile on Tender Australia, you can highlight your qualifications, experience and interests, while setting your base hourly rate you’re looking for.  Not sure what rate reflects your level of training and experience? Head over to our SCHADS Award Calculator page to see which base hourly range you could be in.

And remember, the training and personal development of being a great Support Worker doesn’t end once you’ve finished your Certificate III.  Depending on your career goals, there are additional courses and certificates that you can take, which not only make you a better Support Worker but can add to your base hourly rate amount!