Want a job where you make a real difference every day? Aged care is one of the fastest-growing areas of work in Western Australia, and the path in is shorter than most people think. This guide explains how to become an aged care worker in Perth, step by step: the qualification you need, the checks employers ask for, how placement works, and how long it all takes.
What Does an Aged Care Worker Do?
Aged care workers (also called personal care workers, assistants in nursing or support workers) help older people live safely, comfortably and with dignity. You might work in a residential aged care facility, visit clients in their own homes, or support people in community programs.
A typical day can include:
- Helping with personal care such as showering, dressing and grooming
- Assisting with meals, mobility and daily activities
- Encouraging independence and social connection
- Watching for changes in health or wellbeing and reporting them to the care team
- Following infection control and work health and safety procedures
- Keeping accurate notes and records
Many of the same skills carry over to disability support, so one qualification can open doors in both sectors.
Do You Need a Qualification to Work in Aged Care?
Most aged care employers in Perth look for the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. It is the nationally recognised entry-level qualification for aged care and disability support work, and it shows employers you have been trained and assessed in person-centred care, safe work practices and infection control.
You don’t need any previous experience in care to enrol. What matters most is basic English skills, a caring attitude and a willingness to learn.
How to Become an Aged Care Worker in Perth: 5 Steps
Step 1: Check the role suits you
Aged care work is rewarding, but it is also physical and emotional. Good aged care workers are patient, reliable and respectful, communicate clearly, and are comfortable helping with personal care. If that sounds like you, you are already on the right track.
Step 2: Enrol in the Certificate III in Individual Support
Choose a registered training organisation (RTO) that delivers CHC33021. Before you enrol, compare how long the classroom training runs, whether placement help is included, where the campus is, and what payment options are available.
At SNS College, the Certificate III in Individual Support in Perth is delivered in 10 classroom days at our Perth CBD campus on Stirling Street, followed by your vocational placement.
Step 3: Complete your classroom training
Classroom training covers the knowledge and practical skills you’ll use on the job, including:
- Communication and working with diverse people
- Legal and ethical practice in the care sector
- Person-centred and individualised support
- Work health and safety
- Body systems, and infection prevention and control
- Supporting independence and wellbeing
- Supporting older people and people with disability
- A palliative approach and end-of-life support
You are assessed through written questions, case studies, role plays and practical demonstrations, so you leave confident, not just certified.
Step 4: Complete 120 hours of vocational placement
Every Certificate III in Individual Support student must complete 120 hours of work placement in an approved aged care facility, disability service or community care setting. Placement is where you put your training into practice under supervision, and it’s often where students make their first industry contacts.
SNS College helps eligible students arrange their placement, so you don’t have to find one on your own.
Step 5: Get your checks ready and apply for jobs
Employers will usually ask for some or all of the following before you start work:
- A National Police Certificate, which is standard for aged care roles
- An NDIS Worker Screening Check if you will work with NDIS participants in disability support
- A current first aid and CPR certificate, which many employers prefer. You can complete HLTAID011 Provide First Aid at SNS College.
- Up-to-date vaccinations, as required by the employer
- A current driver’s licence, for home and community care roles
Requirements change between employers, so always check the job ad. Some of these checks take time to process, so it’s smart to start them while you’re still studying.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Aged Care Worker?
It depends on the provider. Some Certificate III courses run for several months. At SNS College, classroom training takes 10 days, and the total time then depends mainly on how quickly you complete your 120 placement hours. Many students are job-ready far sooner than they expect.
Where Can Aged Care Workers Work in Perth?
- Residential aged care homes
- Home care and in-home support services
- Community care and day programs
- Retirement villages
- Disability support services, including NDIS providers
With experience, many workers move into senior roles, team leader positions or further study such as the Certificate IV in Ageing Support.
Why Study Your Certificate III with SNS College?
- Fast, focused training: 10 classroom days
- Placement support: help to arrange your 120 hours
- Central Perth CBD campus: Level 1, 224–226 Stirling Street, close to public transport
- Experienced trainers with real care sector backgrounds
- Flexible payment plans for eligible students
- Nationally recognised: SNS College of Western Australia, RTO 53034
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in aged care without a Certificate III?
Some employers may hire people who are still training, but most expect the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. Holding the qualification makes you far more competitive.
Do I need experience to enrol?
No. No previous experience in aged care or disability support is required. You need basic English skills and the ability to take part in training, assessment and placement.
Is the Certificate III in Individual Support the same as an aged care course?
Yes. People often call it the “aged care course” or “Cert III in aged care”. CHC33021 is the current national qualification for both aged care and disability support work.
Can I pay for the course in instalments?
Yes. SNS College offers flexible payment plans for eligible students. Contact us for current fees and options.
Start Your Aged Care Career Today
Becoming an aged care worker in Perth starts with one step: getting qualified. Explore the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support or enquire now to secure your place in our next intake.
