Are you looking for a career where you can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day? If you’re compassionate, patient, and enjoy helping others, a role in aged and disability care could be the perfect fit.

At Oxford College of Health and Technology, our CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) prepares you to provide person-centred care to those who need it most—whether that’s older Australians, individuals living with disabilities, or both.

What is Individual Support?

Individual Support is all about assisting people who require help with daily living. This may include older adults, individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, or those recovering from illness or injury.

Support workers play a critical role in:

• Promoting independence
• Providing physical, emotional, and social support
• Assisting with personal care, mobility, and mealtime routines
• Supporting people to participate in their community
• Maintaining dignity and respect in all aspects of care

Whether you’re working in residential aged care, a disability support organisation, or providing in-home services, you’ll be helping clients live more comfortable, empowered, and connected lives.

About the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

This nationally recognised qualification is your entry point into a career in care. It’s designed for individuals who want to work across both ageing and disability sectors, giving you the flexibility to explore a wide range of roles.

Key Topics Covered:

• Providing individualised support
• Working with diverse people
• Supporting independence and wellbeing
• Understanding healthy body systems
• Infection control and safe work practices
• Person-centred approaches to aged and disability care
• Empowering people with disability
• Recognising and responding to signs of abuse and neglect

Practical Work Placement

The course includes mandatory work placement hours, allowing you to gain real-world experience in aged care homes, disability support services, or home/community care settings.

Is This Career Right for You?

Aged and disability support work isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. The best support workers are:

• Compassionate and empathetic
• Reliable and responsible
• Great communicators
• Comfortable working one-on-one or as part of a team
• Able to maintain dignity and privacy for others
• Emotionally resilient and respectful of individual needs and differences

If this sounds like you, the CHC33021 Certificate III is the ideal place to begin.

Career Outcomes

Once you’ve completed your qualification, you’ll be eligible to apply for roles such as:

• Aged Care Worker
• Disability Support Worker
• Personal Care Assistant
• Community Care Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Home Care Assistant
• NDIS Support Worker

With the demand for aged care and disability workers continuing to rise in Australia, qualified support workers enjoy strong job security and the opportunity to work in a variety of settings.

Industry Growth and Job Security

According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights, the demand for support workers in both the aged care and disability sectors is projected to grow significantly over the coming years—driven by Australia’s ageing population and the ongoing expansion of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme).

This means more job openings, greater flexibility, and more opportunities for career progression.

Why Study at Oxford College of Health and Technology?

At Oxford, we offer:

• Flexible online learning with face-to-face placement
• Expert support from qualified trainers
• Practical experience to build real-world confidence
• Nationally recognised certification
• Affordable payment plans to suit your budget

You’ll graduate ready to make a real impact—armed with both the knowledge and experience to step confidently into a care role.

Start Your Career in Care Today

If you’re ready to build a meaningful career that truly matters, the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) is your first step.

Early Childhood Educators play a vital role in shaping young minds during the most important learning years of life. From the early months through to school entry, educators provide support, structure, and guidance that help children grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually.

In Australia, Early Childhood Education typically covers children from infancy to around six years old, before they begin primary school. Within this period, there are several distinct stages of development—and as an educator, you’ll adapt your approach and learning activities to suit each age group.

Let’s break down the stages of Early Childhood Education to see how and where you can make an impact.

What Age Range Does Early Childhood Education Include?

In the Australian context, Early Childhood Education begins in infancy and continues until children are ready to start school—generally between the ages of 0 and 6. While each child develops at their own pace, these broad stages help educators structure learning experiences and developmental goals.

Infancy (0–2 years)

This stage is all about nurturing relationships, emotional security, and sensory discovery. Infants learn through touch, sound, and movement, so programs typically focus on gentle routines, responsive caregiving, and basic motor skill development.

Educators working with this age group often provide one-on-one care in long day-care centres or family day-care settings. Daily activities might include reading, singing, tummy time, or simply comforting a child through their routine.

Toddlers (2–3 years)

As children enter the toddler phase, they become more mobile and start expressing themselves through early speech. At this age, learning is heavily play-based and encourages curiosity, early social interaction, and communication skills.

Educators help toddlers navigate their world through storytelling, interactive games, group activities, and structured routines. You’ll see children becoming more independent and beginning to engage with peers.

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

Preschool years introduce more structured learning while maintaining a strong focus on play and creativity. Educators help children build on earlier skills and develop foundational literacy, numeracy, and emotional intelligence.

Whether working in kindergartens, preschools, or early learning centres, educators at this stage focus on preparing children for the transition to school. Lesson planning may include storytelling, hands-on science projects, basic counting activities, and role play to build social confidence.

School Readiness (4–6 years)

This final stage bridges early learning and formal education. Children begin engaging in pre-academic tasks such as writing their names, counting, and understanding basic classroom behaviours.

Some children may start primary school at age four or five, while others benefit from additional time in a preschool setting. Educators in this phase help children become confident, independent, and emotionally ready for a school environment.

Early Learning Frameworks in Australia

Australia’s main guiding document for Early Childhood Education is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Rather than dividing curriculum by strict age brackets, EYLF focuses on five key learning outcomes that can be adapted to suit children at all stages of development.

For example, the framework encourages a strong sense of wellbeing across all age groups—but that might look like cuddling and soothing for infants, while for preschoolers it might involve cooperative games that support self-regulation and resilience.

Educators are trained to tailor activities based on both developmental milestones and the unique needs of each child.

Study Early Childhood Education at Oxford College

If you’re passionate about early learning and want to support children through their most formative years, Early Childhood Education is a deeply rewarding career.

At Oxford College of Health and Technology, our CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care equips you with the skills to work confidently with children from birth to age five or six. You’ll learn how to create nurturing learning environments, adapt programs to suit individual development, and foster lifelong learning habits in young children.

Start Your Journey Today

Be part of shaping the next generation. Whether you’re beginning your career or looking to upskill, we’re here to help you build a pathway that fits your life and goals.