If you’re passionate about helping others and want to make a real difference in your community, a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is a great place to start. This nationally recognised qualification gives you the skills, confidence and hands-on experience to support people with a disability to live safely and independently - and with choice and dignity. It’s also a fantastic pathway into a rewarding, flexible and fast-growing career. Why Disability Support work? With the continued rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the demand for qualified disability support workers is at an all-time high - and it’s only expected to grow. In fact, the NDIS National Workforce Plan forecasts that the disability support workforce will need to grow by approximately 83,000 workers by 2025 to meet demand. That’s a significant increase and a strong signal that there are plenty of job opportunities for people looking to enter the sector. If you're looking for meaningful work that truly impacts people's lives, now is the time to make the leap. What will you learn? The Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) combines classroom or online learning with on-the-job practical experience. It gives you the tools to feel confident supporting people in their homes or out in the community. You’ll cover topics such as: Supporting independence : Learn how to assist people in achieving their personal goals and living the life they choose. Understanding different disabilities : Get insight into physical, intellectual and psychosocial disabilities and how to tailor your support. Communication skills : Build your ability to communicate respectfully and clearly with people with diverse needs. Working safely and ethically : Know your responsibilities around duty of care, privacy, dignity and working within legal frameworks. Personal care : Learn how to safely support daily tasks like showering, dressing and mobility. Working in teams : Develop the skills to work effectively with colleagues, allied health professionals and families. How long does it take? Most students complete the course in 6 to 18 months, depending on whether you study full-time, part-time or online. Some providers even offer flexible study options if you’re balancing other responsibilities like work or parenting. Will I get hands-on experience? Yes! One of the most valuable parts of the course is your practical placement. This is where you apply your knowledge in a real-world setting and gain firsthand experience working with people with disability. At Edmen, we understand that gaining placement can be tricky, so we’ve created the Kickstart Program . It allows eligible students to get paid while completing their placement, with real shifts that count towards your required hours. It’s the perfect way to earn, learn and build your confidence on the job. What do I need to enrol? Generally, to enrol in a Cert III Disability course, you’ll need to: Have completed Year 10 or equivalent Be at least 17 years old (some providers may vary) Have or be willing to obtain: A current National Police Check An NDIS Worker Screening Check A valid Working with Children Check (depending on your placement setting) Up-to-date immunisations (depending on provider) How much does it cost? The good news is that many state governments offer free or low-cost places for eligible students. This means you might be able to study without paying full fees - especially if you’re not working or are looking to change careers. Check out what’s available in your state through your local TAFE or registered training provider (RTO). Where can I study? The Cert III in Disability is offered through: TAFEs across Australia Private RTOs Online learning providers Not sure where to start? Try these sites to compare options: www.myskills.gov.au www.courseseeker.edu.au www.compared.edu.au Do I need to finish before I start working? Not always. At Edmen, we hire passionate people who are working toward their qualifications - especially if they’re already enrolled in a course and eager to gain experience. If you’re just starting out, check out our entry-level casual roles, where you can build your hours, learn from experienced mentors and take advantage of our flexible shifts while you study. 👉 See open positions with Edmen Studying a Cert III in Disability is more than just a course - it’s the first step into a meaningful, people-focused career. With strong job prospects, flexible work and the chance to make a difference every day, it’s no wonder so many Edmen support workers started their journey right here. Whether you’re ready to enrol or just curious to learn more, Edmen can support you on your path. Got questions about how to get started or whether you can work while studying? We’re here to help.