Support Worker Traineeship

Start a support worker traineeship

Do you have a passion for caring and want a job in the sector? 

If you love working with people and making a real difference to people’s lives, then a career as a support worker is the perfect role for you! You could get a job in the health and care sector, as a disability support worker, aged care worker, residential care worker, in-home carer or community support worker.

The best way of getting get the right skills is by starting a traineeship, and earn while you learn! How good is that?

This page will help answer all your questions, like:

• What is a traineeship and how does it work?
• What is a support worker, and what do they do?
• Who can become a support worker trainee?
• What skills do I need to become a support worker?
• What career options are there for support workers?
  
  

Scroll down to learn more about a support worker traineeship in Australia, including answers to all the FAQ about this in-demand career.

Why are individual support workers in such demand?

There is high demand for support workers like aged care workers and in-home support care workers because Australia has an ageing population. Many of these people need help in their day-to-day lives - so there will always be jobs available in this sector.

Let’s start by understanding what a traineeship is:

What is a traineeship?

A traineeship is on-the-job training with an employer, while you study and get paid. It is similar to an apprenticeship – where you work under a supervisor who makes sure you learn all the right skills. At the end of your training you get a nationally recognised qualification, a Certificate III in Individual Support. A traineeship runs over one or two years, and you can do it full-time or part-time.

Who can become a support worker trainee?

The good news is that you don’t need any experience or a qualification to start a traineeship in Australia. You can even sign up if you’re still at school (Year 10, 11 and 12 students), have just graduated high school or are looking to transition into an exciting new career.

What is involved in a support worker traineeship?

As well as your work experience, you will also complete 13 modules in a Certificate III in Individual Support and qualify over 12 months full time (38 hours) or 24 months part time (15 hours). This includes mentoring support from us from start to finish!

Skills you need to become a support worker

To become a support worker in the health, disability or aged care sector you should ideally have the following skills:

• People person who enjoys helping and interacting with people
• Patient, adaptable and flexible
• Caring and supportive attitude
• Great communication skills, especially listening
• Physically fit as some roles require lifting
• Driver’s licence required for some roles
  
  

What do support workers do?

During a support worker traineeship your day-to-day job could include:

• Working with the sick, elderly and people with disabilities
• Being a friend and companion for clients
• Complete housekeeping tasks (for example cleaning, vacuuming or dusting)
• Preparing delicious, nutritious meals for clients
• Help clients getting dressed and with overall personal hygiene
• Assist with shopping and other errands
• Organising social activities and outings

Support Worker: entry level qualifications

The most common courses to study for a career as a support worker are:

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
• Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
• Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community)

You will also want to know what jobs you can apply for after you qualify.

Support worker jobs in the care, disability and aged care sector

Wondering what your career options are once you have completed a support worker traineeship and certificate level qualification? Enrol in a support worker traineeship and you could work as a:

• Aged care worker
• Disability support worker
• Residential care worker
• In-home support worker
• Community support worker

Let’s take a closer look at some of these roles and what the job involves:

Aged care workers support elderly people with daily tasks which include providing support with eating, showering, dressing, tidying and cleaning. Aged care workers may work in a residential care facility or visit their clients in their home – as in-home support, residential care workers or aged care assistants. 
  
Disability support workers make a real difference in the lives of their clients. Each day is different, but typical tasks include personal care, meal preparation, transporting clients to appointments, domestic support and grocery shopping.
  

Healthcare support worker FAQ:

Call us on 1300 765 155 to find out more, or fill in the form and our team will find a role suited to you: