Support Worker Courses
A Support Worker aids individuals and families facing difficulties by providing practical and emotional assistance in various settings.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Support Worker
Get qualified to work as a Support Worker with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
CHC33021
Duration
8 weeks - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to provide care and support to individuals in the ageing and disability sectors. Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training, students will develop a deep understanding of person-centred care, communication techniques, and the ability to assist individuals with daily living activities, promoting independence and en...
Career opportunities
Duration
8 weeks - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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CHC32015
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is excellent for students seeking careers as community services workers. Students begin with the foundation skills essential for maintaining personal safety while helping others. They learn how to manage personal stress, and communicate with clients from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. Students are then able to choose electives to pursue career interests such as working with the elderly, working with children and young people, drugs and alcohol...
Career opportunities
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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CHC40321
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Work in child welfare with the CHC40321 Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention. This nationally recognised training course qualifies you for work in a range of community services roles helping young people and families. The course will teach you how to Identify and respond to children and young people at risk — then work collaboratively to establish a safe environment for them. Choose electives in career interest areas: mental health, domestic violence, family intervention strategies, trau...
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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CHC43515
Duration
5 weeks - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
If you’ve lived through mental illness and would like to help others through their own recovery why not consider the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (CHC43515). This nationally recognised training qualification will teach you how to apply your lived experience in mental health to providing recovery oriented mental health services — as either a volunteer or paid worker. The course covers: trauma, drug and alcohol, planning group activities, working with carers, managing personal stressors, work h...
Career opportunities
Duration
5 weeks - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Support Worker.
Common questions
How much do Support Workers earn?
In Australia, a full time support worker generally earns $1,325 per week ($68,900 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for Support Workers?
After a small dip, there were approximately 65,600 welfare support workers in Australia as of May 2019. That number is expected to grow to approximately 80,500 by May 2024. From 2018-2023 there is expected to be 30,000 job openings.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections and Australian Government Job Outlook
How long does it take to become a Support Worker?
In many cases, you will need qualification in a field such as community services or a similar area of support to pursue a support worker job. The exact level of qualification required can change from role to role. A Certificate II of Community Services and Certificate III of Community Services can take anywhere from 12-24 months each depending on if you study on campus or online and if you study full or part time. Many positions often require you to obtain a working with children check, first aid certificate and national police check.
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If you're passionate about creating real change then a community services course is your next big step forward. Browse accredited courses and check your funding eligibility online.
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Nurture your caring side with a career in Aged Care. Career pathways include Personal Carers, Aged Care Workers and Diversional Therapists. Check your eligibility for government funding. Start your career in Aged Care today.
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Make an impact in the community and change lives through the Alcohol and Other Drugs career pathway. Possible job roles include Rehabilitation Counsellor, Substance Abuse Counsellor and Social Worker. Check your eligibility for...
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Case Management courses are ideal for those wanting to give back to the community and facilitate change in a professional setting. Career pathways include Youth Case Worker and Case Manager. Check your eligibility for governmen...
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More information
A support worker provides assistance to those having difficulty living their everyday lives. This aid can come in a variety of forms, including helping with tasks such as work around the house, administrative paperwork, personal medical attention and more. This emotional and practical support aims to help clients and patients live their lives as freely as possible. Clients and patients can include individuals as well as full households impacted by a range of issues including, but not limited to, injury or illness, disability and addiction.
Depending on the specific role and location, support workers can find themselves working in homes, as part of community centres or even in medical clinics. Their duties will often involve collaborating with educators, employers and other medical professionals to develop and deliver care programs that suit each specific client's needs.
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