Vocational placement is a required part of the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. Every student must complete 120 hours in an approved aged care facility, disability service or community care setting. For many students it is the most exciting part of the course, and it’s often where they make their first industry contacts.
Here is what to expect and how to get the most out of it.
Why Placement Matters
- You apply classroom skills with real people, under supervision
- Your workplace skills are assessed in a real care setting
- You build confidence before your first paid shift
- You see how aged care and NDIS workplaces actually run
- You gain experience and references to add to your resume
Before Placement Starts
Get your checks organised early
Placement providers usually need certain checks before you can start. These commonly include a National Police Certificate, and for disability settings an NDIS Worker Screening Check. Some facilities may also ask for vaccination records. Processing can take time, so start early.
Prepare what to bring
- Your student ID and placement paperwork or logbook
- Comfortable, enclosed, non-slip shoes
- Neat clothing or a uniform as directed by the facility
- A notebook and pen
- A water bottle and lunch
What You Will Do on Placement
Under the supervision of experienced staff, you will gradually take on real tasks, such as:
- Assisting with personal care, including showering, dressing and grooming
- Helping at mealtimes and with mobility
- Spending quality time with residents or clients
- Following infection control and safe work procedures
- Observing and reporting changes to your supervisor
- Writing simple, accurate notes as directed
You won’t be thrown in at the deep end. Most students start by shadowing staff and build up to more hands-on tasks as they gain confidence.
Tips to Succeed
- Be on time, every time. Reliability is the first thing supervisors notice.
- Ask questions. Staff would much rather you ask than guess.
- Respect privacy and dignity. Knock before entering, explain what you are doing and keep information confidential.
- Stay within your role. Only do the tasks you have been trained and asked to do.
- Keep your logbook up to date. Record your hours and tasks as you go.
- Treat it like a job interview. Many students are offered work by their placement provider.
How SNS College Supports You
SNS College helps eligible students arrange their 120 hours of placement, so you don’t have to find a facility on your own. Our final classroom day focuses on consolidation and workplace placement readiness, so you start placement prepared and confident.
Ready to Start?
If you are new to the sector, read our guide on how to become an aged care worker in Perth. When you are ready, enquire now about the next intake of the Certificate III in Individual Support at our Perth CBD campus.
