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Want to work and study at the same time? Want to study without breaking the bank? If the answers to any of these questions is yes, then you should consider a Certificate III course. Read below for full information.
A Certificate III is a non-tertiary qualification available in a wide range of subjects, from a wide range of providers. It falls, perhaps unsurprisingly, between the Certificate II and Certificate IV on the qualifications framework, and is designed for people seeking practical, workplace knowledge to enhance their skills and push their careers.
It is offered through flexible study, so you will find a wide range of program durations and study types and there is financial assistance available for those who might need a little help with the costs.
"The Certificate III in Education Support (Teacher's Aide) provides the training and skills to support teachers and other professionals within an educational environment. This nationally accredited course equips you with the skills to communicate with teachers, work in an education team and lead students, while complying with legislative policy and OHS processes in the education environment."
View details"This course is suited to those who wish to work in aged care facilities and care for the elderly. Potential careers opportunities include: working in an aged care facility, working as an assistant in nursing (AIN) or personal care assistant (PCA) in an aged care facility, a community support worker, a home care assistant or a community care worker."
View detailsCertificate III qualifications are offered by many institutions across Australia. It is most common for TAFE schools, online providers or community education centres to offer this qualification, though this is not a hard rule, and many campus based universities have recently added Certificate III’s to their options.
You may find it easier to search for your specific course, rather than searching for a specific provider, and to help you with this we’ve compiled a full list of courses available online by subject. Be sure to have a look through it when you find which level of education suits you.
A Certificate III will cost somewhere in the vicinity of $2,000 to complete, which is usually payable on a six monthly or yearly plan, or in a lump sum depending on your preference. This covers tuition only, there may be additional outlay for learning material, books or travel and depending on your course and subject field there may also be a requirement for a work placement at a company within your industry. If this is something you want, or don’t want, be sure to check with your provider if it is part of your course.
Residents of New South Wales may also be entitled to additional government funding from the Smart and Skilled Government Assistance Program, which offers financial assistance for students who meet certain eligibility criteria. If you’d like to know more follow the link below for full information.
Back to topCertificate III qualifications are available in a wide range of fields. They are most common in vocational fields like child care, fitness or education support, but this is not exhaustive. You’ll find Certificate III qualifications in most fields, and if this is the level of study that you wish to pursue, there is a good chance you will find a course in the subject area that interests you.
Because a Certificate III is designed to be taken before undergraduate study, no previous tertiary education is required. Courses will usually required you to have completed some part of a high school education and be over 15 years of age.
There may also be a requirement for some prior work or voluntary in your chosen field, but this will vary from field to field. For full information on your chosen course, check with the student services or contact the admission services team at your chosen provider.
Back to topThere can be a lot of variation when it comes to studying for Certificate level qualifications, and the Certificate III is no different. The length of time it will take you to complete is really quite up to you, and can be varied to fit your lifestyle and study needs. On the shorter end of the possible time frames, it may be possibly to complete the course in less than six months, while others may choose to study at a slower pace, perhaps while they work, and complete the course in a year or more.
Remember these qualifications are designed to be flexible and for adapt to you and your needs, so don’t feel as though you have to complete the course quickly. Take your time, think about your lifestyle and how much time you will have to devote to study. Then choose a course and a schedule that will allow you to learn at your own pace, while continuing to fulfil the obligations of your life.
Back to topA Certificate III qualification is a useful addition to any CV or resume. It has the potential to advance your career, or advance your case for further study. If you enjoyed your study and are considering progressing to Diploma or even Bachelor’s degree study, then having this certificate on your wall will certainly help your case for admission.
If you’re looking for short course, that will provide relevant skills and experience in your field then the Certificate III could be for you, if however, you’re unsure and feel you’d like to do a little bit more research, then be sure to check out our full levels of study guide. It will give you all the information on all of the levels on the qualifications framework and help you make the right decision.
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