Caring for Your Community: - Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria

Caring for YourCommunity:A Career in Aged Carefor Bilingual Staff

ContentsConsidering a Career in Aged Care?.....................................1Is Aged Care the Right Career for You?...............................2Things you Need to Know.......................................................4English Language Certificate..................................................5Certificates III in Aged Care..................................................9Certificates IV in Aged Care................................................11Training Providers..................................................................17First Aid Certificates..............................................................25Questions to Ask ....................................................................27© Centre for Culture Ethnicity and Health and Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria 2007Produced by the Centre for Culture Ethnicity and Health (CEH) in partnership with the EthnicCommunities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV).CEH and ECCV acknowledges the support of the Victorian Multicultural Commission forproviding funding for this booklet.

Considering a Careerin Aged Care?A career in aged care is a great chanceto make a difference to the lives of olderpeople, many of them migrants. Allyou need to do is show an interest andcommitment to caring for older people.Your chances of finding work in aged carewill be greatly improved if you completesome formal training.People from a non-English speakingbackground and people of mature age,which means anyone over the age of 18,are encouraged to apply for enrolmentin Certificates III and IV in AgedCare Work. Some training providerssuch as Victoria University, NorthernMelbourne Institute of TAFE (NMIT),Adult Multicultural Education Services(AMES), Carers Victoria and Diversitatoffer extra support to students whosefirst langauge is not English.What this Booklet is ForThis booklet will give you some basicinformation about available courses thatwill qualify you to work in the aged careand disability sectors.This booklet also includes a list ofquestions for you to ask when contactingcourse providers.1

Is Aged Care the Right Career for You?Aged care services are vital to supporting the needs of older Victorians.As an aged care worker, you will have the opportunity to service the needs ofthe community by helping older people with their day-to-day activities. Theseactivities include domestic duties, arranging social activities and shoppingtrips, providing companionship, friendship and emotional support.Working in aged care can be physically and emotionally demanding. Thechallenges can include caring for people who can no longer manage basic taskssuch as showering or toileting and who sometimes have difficult behaviours.Shift work is often involved.If you can meet these demands and enjoy working with older people you willfind that the work can be very rewarding. The ongoing demand for qualifiedaged care workers and the opportunity to work flexible hours makes a careerin aged care a good choice for people with family commitments and otherresponsibilities.There are very good job prospects in aged care. Demands for professionals inthis area are expected to increase.In order to be successful in this career, you should have a caring and supportiveattitude, respect for the rights of others and be able to perform domestic dutiesefficiently. For a carer of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) olderpeople, it can help to have a good grasp of a language other than English.Veska Paskoska, Vito Milazzo and Marica Cindric decided on a career in agedcare and share their experiences in this booklet.2

Worker Profile - Veska PaskoskaVeska migrated to Australia from Macedonia with her husband in1970 and together they have worked very hard to build their life in Australia.Veska says she decided to work in aged care because she enjoys being with olderpeople and wants to help them. She completed her Certificate III in Aged CareWork in a joint partnership between the Spectrum Migrant Resource Centreand NMIT in 2005. Veska found the course was practical and completed iteven though she was not proficient in English.Veska currently works as a cook for the Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre attheir Adult Day Centre. She enjoys her job and is happy she chose to work inaged care.3

Things You Need to KnowYou should ask your training provider if they offer apprenticeships andtraineeships. These are often referred to as Australian Apprenticeships, whichare available to anyone over the age of 16.Australian Apprenticeships offer:• combined paid work and structured training that can beon-the-job, off-the-job, or both;• competency based training, which means you can completeyour training faster if you reach the required skills level;• recognition of existing skills and prior experience that mayreduce training time;• full-time or part-time training; and• nationally recognised qualifications and skills whichprovide the basis for further education and training.As an apprentice you will receive wages and other employee benefits.Qualifications are nationally recognised.Both Certificates III and IV provide a stepping stone to further study that willimprove your skills and career prospects.For more information visit www.otte.vic.gov.au.A Guide to HoursPlacement and contact hours differ between training providers. While thisbooklet lists a range of hours, they are only a guide. If your training provider isonly offering a small number of course hours in the classroom, you may wish toquestion the quality of the training and look for another training provider.You will also be less likely to find a job if your training provider offers you acourse that is only a few weeks in length. As a guide, you could expect full-timetraining to take at least one semester, or around 12 weeks.4

English Language CertificateIf you feel your English language skills could improve you can also do aCertificate III in ESL (English as a Second Language).The ESL Certificate teaches you the knowledge and English language skillsneeded to find employment, the knowledge and skills to work effectively inAustralia and a pathway for students with low level English language skills toenter the workforce.The NMIT also offers a course for people who need some extra help withtheir English skills. This course is run with the Certificate III in Aged CareWork. CAE, Diversitat and Carers Victoria run courses in ESL and offer extrasupport to people whose first language is not English.Bilingual Aged Care and Home and Community Care Work CertificateCertificate III/IV in ESL (Employment), Certificate III in Aged CareWork and Certificate III in Home and Community Care gives you a triplequalification. It is suited to people who speak English as a second language andis available through CAE.Online StudySome providers may offer you the option to study online. Think about whetherthis form of study is right for you. If you are not comfortable with computersor learning on your own, you may feel isolated from students and teachers.Recognition of Prior LearningIf you have some previous work experience or qualification that you thinkrelates to aged care, you can apply for recognition of prior learning. This mayshorten your course.Police Records CheckYou will have to undergo a police records check to be accepted into any ofthe certificates listed in this booklet. The check is to confirm that you havenot been convicted of committing a serious crime in the past ten years. It isorganised by the training provider and will cost you $13.70.5

Worker Profile - Vito MilazzoVito Milazzo has dedicated his life to helping older people.The 42 year old migrated to Australia from Italy when he was two andnow provides support and personal care for older migrants through theMulticultural Home Support Service (MHSS).The program is run by the Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre. It employs 77carers who speak 45 languages and care for more than 250 older migrants innorthern Melbourne.Vito, who works for the centre, said he was proud to be a part of the service.He said the most important skill a carer needed was plenty of patience.“By the end of the time I’m with a client, if I don’t see them smiling I haven’tdone a good job. I like to leave there and see them happy,” he said.6

Worker Profile - Marica Cindric7

“I Began my career in aged care at a private nursing home in 2001.I was appointed as the nursing home’s Activity Coordinator and had no priortraining or experience working with older people. I believe my creativity,communication skills, passion for making a difference and good sense ofhumour secured me the position.I recall my early days at the nursing home as being extremely challenging. Iquickly learnt to expect the unexpected. I felt I was making a difference inpeople’s lives and my role was exciting, challenging and fulfilling.I was conscious of my lack of knowledge and experience within the industry.I was eager to learn about accreditation standards, policies and processes. Idiscovered that people from CALD backgrounds were at a greater risk ofsocial isolation due to their language barriers. It was extremely important tome to maintain their cultural and religious identity and practices. I learnt thatsuccessful communication with clients is one of the most important aspects ofservice delivery and should be given particular emphasis in relation to CALDclients in the aged care system.As a bilingual worker, I was regularly asked for information by residents,family and staff from various CALD backgrounds. It was obvious to mehow important it was for these residents to have bilingual staff working atthe facility. Staff need to understand the residents’ needs and expectations ofservices.I am very passionate about the aged care sector. Most of my training has beenon-the-job and self driven. I have attended many training sessions, workshopsand conferences covering various topics.Recently, I have felt the need to work with a wider section of the communityand am now working for a not-for-profit organisation as a CommunityDevelopment and Social Engagement Worker. I have been given theopportunity to work with a larger group of people and focus on rebuildingcommunity connections and creating opportunities for socially isolated olderAustralians. The position is very challenging and rewarding. There is a highneed for bilingual staff to work in the field.”8

Certificates III in Aged CareCertificate III in Aged Care WorkCHC30102Certificate III in Aged Care Workqualifies you to work in residential agedcare facilities such as nursing homesand hostels. Duties can include caringfor the frail aged in our community byhelping them with personal care suchas showering and toileting.Certificate III in CommunityServices (Aged Care Work)CHC20102Certificate III in Aged Care Workqualifies you to work in residential agedcare facilities such as nursing homesand hostels. Duties can include caringfor the frail aged in our community byhelping them with personal care suchas showering and toileting.Certificate III in Home andCommunity Care (HACC)CHC30202Certificate III in Home andCommunity Care (HACC) qualifiesyou to work in the community, oftenin clients’ homes, to help older or frailpeople with personal care includingshowering and toileting.Please note: A number of providersoffer Certificate III in Aged CareWork and Certificate III in HACCas a dual qualification. This means youcan study for these two Certificates atthe same time.Certificate III in Health ServiceAssistance – Allied Health AssistantHLT32407Certificate III in Health ServiceAssistance qualifies you to assistallied health professionals such asphysiotherapists, speech pathologistsand occupational therapists in thetreatment and rehabilitation ofpatients and residents. Duties caninclude assisting with therapy andtreatment, conducting group andindividual programs and maintainingequipment and aids.Entry requirementsThere are no minimum educationalrequirements for any of theCertificates III listed in this booklet.People of mature age (18 years andover) are encouraged to apply. Youmay be asked to attend an interviewwhere you should show your interestin aged care. You may also be askedto complete a Level 2 First AidCertificate.9

Employment opportunitiesYou can find employment in a rangeof aged care and disability servicesincluding residential aged carefacilities, private homes and in adultday care centres. You may also findwork in hospitals.Pathways to further studyOnce you have finished any of theCertificate III courses you will beeligible to study for many of theCertificate IV courses that mayinclude Certificate IV in Aged CareWork, Certificate IV in Health(Nursing), Certificate IV in HealthService Assistance, Certificate IV inDisability Work, Certificate IV inService Coordination (Ageing andDisability), Diploma of DisabilityWork, Diploma of CommunityServices Management and AdvancedDiploma of Disability Work.a nearby area. You are advised tocompare the number of placementhours between providers. If unpaidplacement hours are much greaterthan contact hours, you shouldconsider finding another trainingprovider.You may also wish to considerapplying to do a Certificate IV inHealth (Nursing). Applicants mustmeet certain literacy and numeracystandards in order to be considered.Those who do not have the requiredlevel of literacy and numeracy mayhave to do a program that helpsthem meet these standards. Previousexperience or qualifications related tonursing (eg aged care) may supportyour application.Contact hoursYou can study part-time or full-timeover a six month to twelve monthperiod, although contact hours varybetween each Certificate and trainingprovider. Some of these hours will beplacement hours. You will need tocontact individual training providersfor more detailed information.Placement hoursThese hours give you hands-onexperience and are usually organisedfor you by the training provider in10

Certificates IV in Aged CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCHC40102Certificate IV in Aged Care Workqualifies you to work in residentialaged care facilities such as nursinghomes and hostels. Duties caninclude caring for the frail aged inour community by helping themwith personal care such as showeringand toileting as well as supervisingother workers.Entry requirementsThere are no minimum educationalrequirements for Certificate IV.People of mature age (18 years andover) are encouraged to apply. Youmay be asked to attend an interviewwhere you should show your interestin aged care. You may also be askedto complete a Level 2 First AidCertificate.Employment opportunitiesYou can find employment in a rangeof aged care and disability servicesincluding nursing homes and hostels,rehabilitation centres, private homesand in adult day care centres. Youmay also find work in hospitals.Pathways to further studyWhen you have completedCertificate IV in Aged Care Work11you will be eligible to apply for othercourses such as Certificate IV inDisability Work, Certificate IV inHealth (Nursing) and CertificateIV in Service Coordination (Ageingand Disability). Please note thatapart from Certificate IV in Health(Nursing) these certificates will onlyprovide you with more specialisedknowledge. They are not higher levelqualifications.Contact hoursYou can study part-time or fulltime,usually over a 12 month totwo year period, although contacthours vary between each trainingprovider. Some of these hours willbe placement hours. You will need tocontact individual training providersfor more detailed information.Placement hoursThese hours give you hands-onexperience and are usually organisedfor you by the provider in a nearbyarea. You are advised to comparethe number of placement hoursbetween training providers. If unpaidplacement hours are much greaterthan contact hours you shouldconsider finding another trainingprovider.

Certificate IV in Health ServiceAssistance – Allied HealthAssistantHLT42507Certificate IV in Health ServiceAssistance qualifies you to assistallied health professionals such asphysiotherapists, speech pathologistsand occupational therapists in thetreatment and rehabilitation ofpatients and residents of nursinghomes and hostels. Duties mayinclude assisting with therapy andtreatment, conducting group andindividual programs and maintainingequipment and aids.Entry RequirementsEntry requirements may differbetween private training providersbut TAFEs do not list any minimumeducational requirement. People ofmature age (18 years and over) areencouraged to apply. You may beasked to attend an interview whereyou should show your interest inaged care. You may also be askedto complete a Level 2 First AidCertificate.Employment OpportunitiesYou should find employment ina range of aged care and disabilityservices including nursing homes,hostels, rehabilitation centres, privatehomes and hospitals.Pathways to further studyWhen you have completedCertificate IV in Health ServiceAssistance you will be eligible toapply for further study includingCertificate IV in Aged Care Work,Certificate IV in Disability Workand Certificate IV in Health(Nursing). Please note that apartfrom Certificate IV in Health(Nursing) these Certificates will onlyprovide you with more specialisedknowledge. They are not higher levelqualifications.Contact hoursContact hours differ betweenproviders and you will be required towork a number of hours in practicalplacement. You need to contactindividual providers for moredetailed information.Placement hoursThese hours give you hands-onexperience and are usually organisedfor you by the training provider ina nearby area. You are advised tocompare the number of placementhours between training providers. Ifunpaid placement hours are muchgreater than contact hours, youshould consider finding anothertraining provider.12

Certificate IV in Health (Nursing)HLT43407This Certificate teaches the skillsrequired to qualify as a Division 2Registered Nurse. You will work withpeople in a range of health settings toprovide general patient care includingshowering, toileting, feeding andwound dressing under the supervisionof a Division 1 Registered Nurse.Entry requirementsTraining providers may havedifferent entry requirements, butYear 12 (VCE) or Mature AgeEntry (18 years and over) is expected(please check with individual trainingproviders). You will be required toattend an interview and to pass anentrance exam often administeredthrough VETASSESS (a $35.00 feeapplies). VETASSESS tests studentsfor literacy in English and Mathsequal to Year 9 level. Please note thatsome training providers do their ownliteracy assessments.The applicant should also demonstratean interest in aged care. It is arequirement of the Certificate IV inHealth that you have a Level 2 FirstAid Certificate by the end of the firstsemester of the course.VaccinationsStudents must meet vaccinationrequirements prior to clinicalplacement. These include evidence ofchildhood and other vaccinations suchas Measles, Mumps, Rubella and so on.You will also need to be immunisedagainst Hepatitis B and Tetanus.You will be asked to take a Mantouxtest to ensure you have immunityto Tuberculosis (TB). Students areadvised to go to their local doctor forvaccinations. The cost is wholly borneby the student. Ask your provider formore information.Employment opportunitiesThere are excellent opportunities forDivision 2 Registered Nurses to findwork in hospitals, nursing homes andcommunity centres.Pathways to further studyDivision 2 Nurses can complete postbasicqualifications or go on to completea university degree in the Bachelor ofNursing that qualifies you to work as aDivision 1 Registered Nurse.Please note that from 2008, CertificateIV in Health (Nursing) will includetraining that qualifies Division 2Registered nurses to give medications.Contact hoursThe length of this course isapproximately twelve months fulltimeor two years part-time. Pleasemake inquiries with providers asnot all offer part-time enrolment.Contact individual providers for moreinformation.13

Clinical placement hoursYou will be required to work 340hours in clinical placement to giveyou hands-on experience. The NursesBoard of Victoria (NBV) requiresthat 40% of the course be made up ofclinical experience.RegistrationRegistration is compulsory. Studentsmust register as a Division 2 Nursewith the Nurses Board of Victoriaupon successful completion ofCertificate IV. For more informationgo to www.nbv.org.au.Registration FeeYou will pay a $120.00 fee for firstregistration. Registration must berenewed each year for a fee of $80.00.Certificate IV in Disability WorkCHC40302Certificate IV in Disability Workqualifies you to work in the disabilityfield. Duties include helping peoplewith intellectual, physical andmultiple disabilities to be moreindependent and to take part incommunity activities.The Department of Human Servicesrecognises this Certificate as thepreferred qualification for peoplewho work in the disability sector.Entry requirementsThere are no minimum educationalrequirements. People of mature ageare encouraged to apply. You may beasked to attend an interview whereyou should show your interest incaring for disabled and elderly people.You may also be asked to complete aLevel 2 First Aid Certificate. Sometraining providers require applicantsto be employed under a traineeship.Employment opportunitiesYou can find employment in a rangeof aged care and disability servicesincluding nursing homes and hostels,rehabilitation centres, communityadult day care centres and in privatehomes as an attendant carer orcommunity worker.Pathways to further studyOnce you have finished CertificateIV in Disability Work, you will beeligible to apply to study CertificateIV in Aged Care Work, Certificate IVin Service Coordination (Ageing andDisability), Diploma of DisabilityWork, Diploma of CommunityServices Management and AdvancedDiploma of Disability Work. Pleasenote that apart from Certificate IV inHealth (Nursing) these Certificateswill only provide you with morespecialised knowledge. They are nothigher level qualifications.14

Contact hoursContact hours vary between trainingproviders and you will be required towork a number of hours in practicalplacement. The course can becompleted on a full-time basis overtwelve months or part-time over twoyears.Placement hoursThese hours give you hands-onexperience and are usually organisedfor you by the provider in a nearbyarea. You are advised to comparethe number of placement hoursbetween providers. If placementhours, which are unpaid, are muchgreater than contact hours orgreater than most other providersoffer, you should consider findinganother provider.Certificate IV in ServiceCoordination (Ageing andDisability)CHC40202This course aims to develop theskills and knowledge needed tocoordinate projects and to supervisestaff and volunteers in residential orcommunity care services for olderpeople and people with a disability.These include supervision andmanagement skills, consultation skillsand understanding the needs of localcommunities.Entry requirementsRequirements differ between privateproviders. However, completion ofone of the following: Certificate IIIin Aged Care Work; Certificate IVin Aged Care Work; Certificate IVin Disability Work or several years ofwork experience in the aged care ordisability sectors, may be expected.Employment opportunitiesYou can find employment in a rangeof aged care and disability servicesincluding nursing homes, rehabilitationcentres, residential care facilities and inthe home and community care sectors.Pathways to further studyPathways exist into higher levelvocational qualifications and intohigher education.Contact hoursContact hours differ between trainingproviders and you will be required towork a number of hours in practicalplacement. The course is offered onboth a full-time or part-time basis.Placement hoursThese hours give you hands-onexperience and are usually organised foryou by the training provider in a nearbyarea. You are advised to compare thenumber of placement hours betweentraining providers. If unpaid placementhours are much greater than contacthours you should consider findinganother training provider.15

Guide to Contact and Placement hoursCertificates III and IVCertificateCertificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home and Community CareCertificate III in Health ServiceAssistance- Allied Health AssistantCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in Health ServiceAssistance- Allied Health AssistantCertificate IV in Disability WorkCertificate IV in Health (Nursing)Certificate IV in Service Coordination (Ageing andDisability)Placement Hours470 – 530 hours490 – 760 hours420 – 620 hours725 – 975 hours440 – 890 hours670 – 970 hours1018 hours730 – 1145 hoursFor more information, contact the Office of Training and Tertiary Education(OTTE) on 1300 722 603.Other InformationYouth Allowance SchemeYouth Allowance is available if you are a young person who is studying,undertaking training or a new apprenticeship, looking for work or you have anillness. For more information, go to www.centrelink.gov.au.TravelStudent concession cards are available for approved tertiary students. They entitlethe cardholder to purchase tickets at a reduced rate for public transport withinVictoria. Application forms are available from staffed train stations, selected busdepots, and online at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au. For more information,call 131 638.16

Training ProvidersTAFE InstitutionsThese organisations are Victoria’s largest providers of post-compulsoryeducation and training.Private Registered Training OrganisationsThese are private organisations that provide government-funded trainingand fee-for-service training.For a full list of training providers go to www.education.vic.gov.au. You canobtain a copy of all courses and providers by contacting Information Victoriaon 1300 366 356. You can also contact the Department of Education on9637 2222 or 1800 809 834 , or email edline@edumail.vic.gov.au.You should make enquiries through your provider regarding the number ofintakes per year, as these can differ between providers. TAFEs usually have twointakes: one in February and one in July, but applications must be made wellahead of these dates.FeesYou are urged to compare costs charged by private providers as they varyconsiderably. TAFE fees are fixed and are often the most competitive. Theyalso offer heavily reduced fees if you have a Health Care Card.TAFE fees2007 ratesRate per student contact hour $1.34Minimum fee $53.00Maximum fee $860.00Some providers offer an apprenticeship or traineeship that is fully or partlyfunded. This can significantly reduce your course costs. You should ask yourtraining provider if they have this funding. Some private training providersoffer a reduced fee if you have a health care card but this differs widely betweenproviders. Please note that many training providers charge a materials andamenities fee. These costs vary between courses and training providers.17

Victorian Metropolitan ProvidersCertificates III and IVAdult Multicultural EducationServices (AMES)Locations: Regional andmetropolitan locations acrossVictoriaCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkPhone: 9926 4708Email: vocational@ames.net.auwww.ames.net.au/index.aspAustralian Vietnamese Women’sWelfare AssociationLocations: FootscrayCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkPhone: 9428 9078Email: training@avwwa.org.auBox Hill Institute of TAFELocations: Elgar Campus, Box HillCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Health (Nursing)Certificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 9286 9106Email: courseinfo@bhtafe.edu.auwww.bhtafe.edu.au18Carers VictoriaLocations: Frankston, DandenongTraineeships offered across VictoriaCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in ServiceCoordination (Ageing andDisability)Phone: 9784 0906Email: shaylee@skillsplus.com.auCAE Access Education andTrainingLocations: MelbourneCourses Offered:Bilingual Aged Care and Homeand Community Care Work(comprising Certificate III or IV inESL (Employment)Certificate III in Aged CareCertificate III in Home andCommunity CarePhone: 9652 0633Email: cae@cae.edu.auwww.cae.edu.au

Chisholm Institute of TAFELocations: Berwick Campus,Frankston CampusCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home AndCommunity CareCertificate IV in Health (Nursing):Phone: 1800 444 220Email: enquiries@chisholm.vic.edu.auwww.chisholm.vic.edu.auDiversitatLocations: Many sites acrosswestern metropolitan and regionalVictoriaCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home AndCommunity CareCertificate III in Health ServiceAssistance – Allied HealthAssistantCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in Disability WorkCertificate IV in ServiceCoordination (Ageing andDisability)Phone: 5224 2329Email: training@diversitat.org.auwww.diversitat.org.auHolmesglen TAFELocations: Chadstone Campus,Moorabbin CampusCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Health(Nursing)Certificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 9564 1640www.holmesglen.vic.edu.auKangan Batman TAFELocations: MorelandCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in Health ServiceAssistance – Allied Health AssistantCertificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 138 233Email: enquiries@kangan.edu.auwww.kangan.edu.auMayfield Education IncLocations: Hawthorn East,Caulfield General Medical CentreCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in Health (Nursing)Certificate IV in Health ServiceAssistance – Allied Health AssistantPhone: 9882 7644Email: mec@mayfield.edu.auwww.mayfield.edu.au19

Northern MelbourneInstitute of TAFELocations: Greensborough, PrestonCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareDual Qualification – Certificate IIIin Home And Community Care andAged Care WorkPhone: 9269 1200Email: health@nmit.vic.edu.auwww.nmit.vic.edu.auPragmatic Training Pty LtdLocations: EdithvaleCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in ServiceCoordination (Ageing andDisability)Phone: 1800 155 486Email: info@pragmatictraining.com.auwww.pragmatictraining.com.auQuality Care TrainingLocations: Vermont SouthCourses Offered:Certificate III in Health ServiceAssistance – Allied Health AssistantCertificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in ServiceCoordination (Ageing andDisability)Phone: 9845 0700www.qualitycaretraining.com.auRMIT UniversityLocations: City Campus, BundooraCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 9925 4230www.rmit.edu.auSpectrum Migrant ResourceCentreLocations: Preston, CoburgBroadmeadowsCourses Offered:Certificate III in Home andCommunity CarePhone: 9301 7400Email: tymurh@spectrumvic.org.auwww.spectrumvic.org.au20

Swinburne University ofTechnologyLocations: Croydon, PrahranCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care Work/Certificate III in Home AndCommunity Care (delivered together)Certificate IV in Nursing(Traineeship)Certificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 1300 368 777www.tafe.swinburne.edu.auVictoria UniversityLocations: Footscray NicholsonCampus, City Flinders Campus, CityKing Campus, Werribee Campus, StAlbans CampusCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in ESL (Employment)and Aged CareCertificate III in Home AndCommunity CareCertificate IV in Health (Nursing)Certificate IV in Disability WorkCertificate IV in Service Coordination(Ageing and Disability)Phone: 9919 4110www.vu.edu.au21

Victorian Regional ProvidersCertificates III and IVAdult Multicultural EducationServices (AMES)Locations: Regional andmetropolitan locations acrossVictoriaCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkPhone: 9926 4708Email: vocational@ames.net.auwww.ames.net.auBendigo Regional Institute ofTAFELocations: Bendigo City Campus,Maryborough Campus,Castlemaine CampusCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in CommunityServicesCertificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 1300 554 248Email: info@britafe.vic.edu.auwww.britafe.vic.edu.auBest Community DevelopmentLocations: Ararat, Ballarat,Bendigo, Horsham, Maryborough,StawellCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 5329 1530Email: dzintra.crocker@bestcd.org.auwww.education.vic.gov.auCarers VictoriaLocations: GippslandCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in ServiceCoordination(Ageing and Disability)Phone: 9784 0906Email: shaylee@skillsplus.com.au22

DiversitatLocations: Many sites acrossmetropolitan and regional VictoriaCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in Disability WorkCertificate IV in ServiceCoordination (Ageing andDisability)Phone: 5224 2329Email: training@diversitat.org.auwww.diversitat.org.auEast Gippsland Institute ofTAFELocations: Bairnsdale, Sale,FulhamCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in ServiceCoordination (Ageing andDisability)Certificate in Disability Work/Advanced Diploma in DisabilityWorkPhone: 1300 133 717Email: email@egtafe.vic.edu.auwww.egtafe.vic.edu.auGippsTAFELocations: Leongatha,Yallourn, WarragulCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in Health (Nursing)Certificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 5127 0277Email: enquiries@gippstafe.vic.edu.auwww.gippstafe.vic.edu.auGordon Institute of TAFELocations: GeelongCourses Offered:Certificate III in Home andCommunity Care/Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in Aged CareWork/Community ServicesCertificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 5225 0800Email: courinfo@gordontafe.edu.auwww.gordontafe.edu.au23

Goulburn Ovens Institute ofTAFELocations: Benalla, Seymour,Shepparton, WangarattaCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Health (Nursing)Certificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 1300 468 233www.gotafe.vic.edu.auSouth West TAFELocations: Warrnambool,Hamilton, PortlandCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Health (Nursing)Phone: 5564 8918Email: health@swtafe.vic.edu.auwww.swtafe.vic.edu.auSunraysia Institute of TAFELocations: Mildura, Swan HillCourses Offered:Certificate III in CommunityServices (Aged Care Work)Certificate IV in Health (Nursing)Phone: 5022 3617Email: information@sunitafe.edu.auwww.sunitafe.edu.auUniversity of BallaratLocations: Ararat Campus, SMBCampus (Ballarat), HorshamCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care Work/Certificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Health (Nursing)Certificate IV in Disability WorkPhone: 1800 811 711Email: prospective@ballarat.edu.auwww.ballarat.edu.auWodonga TAFELocations: WodongaCourses Offered:Certificate III in Aged Care WorkCertificate III in Home andCommunity CareCertificate IV in Aged Care WorkCertificate IV in ServiceCoordination (Ageing andDisability)Phone: (02) 6055 6606Email: courseinfo@wodonga.tafe.edu.au.www.wodonga.tafe.edu.au24

First Aid CertificatesAsk your training provider if you need a Level 2 First Aid Certificate andwhether the Certificate should be completed before, during or at the end ofthe course.Accidents Happen! First AidServicesLocations: LangwarrinPhone: 9775 6354www.accidentshappen.com.auAustralian First AidLocations: Burwood, UpweyHoppers Crossing, Wangaratta.Phone: 9754 1022www.australianfirstaid.comAustralian Red CrossLocations: CarltonPhone: 1300 367 428www.redcross.org.auEmergency First Aid P/LLocations: MelbournePhone: 1300 301 193www.emergency.com.auFirstAid Management TrainingCentreLocations: BlackburnPhone: 9894 1013www.firstaidmanagement.com.au25First Aid VictoriaLocations: GreenvalePhone: 9333 2537First InterventionLocations: KewPhone: 1300 727 633www.firstintervention.comH2O ProLocations: MulgravePhone: 9548 4244www.h2opro.com.auLife Aid Pty LtdLocations: WarrandytePhone: 9844 4822www.lifeaid.com.auMelbourne Health TrainingServicesLocations: Bentleigh EastPhone: 9563 7222www.mhts.com.auMetropolitan Ambulance ServiceLocations: Several rural andmetropolitan locationsPhone: 1800 248 859www.ambulance-vic.com.au

Monash UniversityLocations: ParkvillePhone: 9903 9667www.monash.edu.auPhoto: Chuck OlsenPremium HealthLocations: St KildaPhone: 9596 1662www.premiumhealth.com.auLife Saving VictoriaLocations: South MelbournePhone: 9676 6900www.lifesavingvictoria.com.auRural Ambulance VictoriaLocations: Several rural andmetropolitan locationsPhone: 1800 248 859www.rav.vic.gov.auSports Medicine AustraliaLocations: South MelbournePhone: 9654 7733www.sma.org.auSt John Ambulance AustraliaLocations: Mount Waverley,MelbournePhone: 8588 8588www.stjohnvic.com.au26

Questions to AskHere are some questions that you may want to ask training providers whenyou call.Entry Requirements and Assessment• What are the entry requirements?• Am I entitled to recognition of prior learning? If so, how does this affectmy fees and the length of my course?• How am I assessed during the course?Contact and Placement Hours• How many contact hours are there?• How many placement hours are there?• Is my placement organised by the training provider?• Is my placement organised in my local area?• Is the course offered on a full-time and part-time basis?• Over how many weeks is the course delivered?Fees• What is the cost of the course?• Is there a reduced fee if I have a Health Care Card? If so, how much?• Are there subsidies/funding available to reduce the cost of my study?• What is the cost of fees and amenities?• Are there costs associated with the awarding of the Certificate?• Are there any additional costs?Apprenticeships and Traineeships• Do you offer apprenticeships/traineeships?• Do I earn an income when I do an apprenticeship/traineeship?Support for Students• What support is offered to students from a non-English speakingbackground?• Do you assist students to find employment?27

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