Create your future.

FOUNDSUPWK Foundations of Support Work

  Interested in working in aged care or disability support?
 
This introductory course provides a practical overview of the Individual Support sector and the skills needed to support older people and people with disability in a person-centred way.
 
Over 16 weeks, you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of support workers, supporting people with chronic health conditions and mental health issues, and promoting independence, dignity and wellbeing. You will explore person-centred support in practice, including how to recognise individual needs, support choice and independence, and provide respectful, individualised care. You will also develop essential workplace communication and documentation skills, including writing clear and professional session notes and case notes.
 
This course is designed as a pathway into the Certificate III in Individual Support. It is ideal for anyone wanting to explore the sector, build confidence and gain foundational knowledge before progressing to further study or employment in aged care and disability support.

Course duration and delivery

• This 16 day course is delivered over 16 weeks, (excluding the Sep/Oct school holidays):
  • Mullum campus -  Mondays - 3 Aug - 30 Nov 2026; or
  • Tweed campus - Thursdays - 6 Aug - 3 Dec 2026.
• 1 day face to face learning per week, Mondays or Thursdays
• Face-to-face learning is delivered at the both campuses, 9.00am - 4pm
• Assessments are conducted in a supervised format

Areas of study
To enhance your learning outcomes, this course includes nationally accredited training units of competency that have been carefully designed and contextualised specifically for this course.
These units will provide you with valuable knowledge and practical skills, helping you build a strong foundation in Aged Care and Disability support, and confidently explore your growing potential.

There will be five units of competency included in this course:

• CHCDIS020 Work effectively in disability support
• CHCAGE013 Work effectively in aged care
• CHCCCS001 Address the needs of people with chronic disease
• CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
• FSKWTG008 Complete routine workplace formatted texts

Person-Centred Support in Practice

*Please note that participation in fee-free courses is not permitted if assessments from units of competency in previous fee-free courses remain incomplete.

Course completion
Following successful completion of this course, you will be awarded with a Statement of Attainment for these units of competency.

Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, students must not have previously completed either of the units of competency listed. 
Students are permitted to enrol in only one funded course at a time. Additionally, each funded course can be undertaken only once.

Students are required to be 15 years old and above at the time of enrolment.

What to bring

• pen and paper
• water bottle and refreshments
• laptop
• clothing that you don't mind getting marked or stained

Course Fees

Full fee $1200
This course is subsidised by the NSW governments Adult and Community Education (ACE) program. You could be eligible for fee-free training under this program.^

To be eligible for ACE funding, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or humanitarian visa holder, or a New Zealand citizen; and
• Live or work in New South Wales; and
• Be aged 15 years or older; and
• No longer be at school or equivalent; and
• Provide the College with your USI at the time of enrolment (admin staff can assist you in obtaining a USI); and
• Have not previously completed the units of competency listed.

For more information on ACE eligibility criteria, click here or call our office on 02 6684 3374.

^Please be aware that participation in fee-free courses will not be possible if assessments from previous fee-free courses are outstanding.

Student Support

Our student support team is here to support you in your learning. Read more here. Or contact studentsupport@byroncollege.org.au

Important information

Once your enrolment is completed you will receive a confirmation email. This email will include your receipt and inform you of the dates, times and venue for your course. It will also let you know of anything you need to take to class with you.

Please make sure that you give us a valid email address and mobile number as any course changes will be communicated via sms or email.

We keep our class sized small so that you get a better experience. Avoid disappointment, enrol early!

Student Policies and Procedures
Please review our Student Handbook for information regarding student policies, procedures and responsibilities.

USI
From 1 January 2015 all students undertaking accredited training must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This requirement applies to all nationally recognised training, from full qualifications to single-unit courses.

You must provide BRCC with your USI at enrolment. If you don't already have one, you (or your parent or guardian) can apply for one at https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-your-usi. You will need to have one form of identification and a valid email address to create your USI.

Alternatively, college staff can assist you to create your USI. We will need to collect your identification and personal information to complete this. You will also need to complete a consent form for us to do this. Storage, disclosure, use and security of the USI will adhere to the rules relating to the USI: https://www.usi.gov.au/about-us/privacy/privacy-policy

We're here to help. If you have any trouble completing the online application form, please don't hesitate to call our customer care team on 02 6684 3374 or visit our Mullumbimby office during opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am - 4pm.