RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C
How Many Placement Hours Does CHC33021 Require?
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS: 115261A) at Clinton Institute (RTO 41597) requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised work placement in an approved aged care facility. This is a mandatory assessment component — you cannot receive your certificate without completing the placement hours and having your placement supervisor sign off on your competence.
Where Does Clinton Institute Arrange Placement?
Clinton Institute has partnerships with approved aged care facilities across Melbourne. These include residential aged care homes (nursing homes) in suburbs across Melbourne's north, south, east, and western suburbs, and home care service providers who support older people living independently. Clinton Institute's placement team matches you to a suitable venue based on your home location and public transport access.
What You Do During Placement
During your 120 hours, you will work alongside qualified aged care workers and observe how professional care is delivered. Tasks you may be involved in include: assisting residents with morning and afternoon personal care routines, accompanying residents to meals and helping with feeding, participating in group lifestyle and social activities, documenting care observations (under supervision), and following manual handling procedures for transferring and repositioning residents. You will not be left unsupervised with clients — a qualified staff member must always be present.
Required Clearances Before Placement Starts
You must have the following before your placement begins: a National Police Check (no older than 6 months, approximately $20–$50 via fit2work.com.au), a Working with Children Check Victoria (WWCC — free for students enrolled in a recognised course), evidence of up-to-date vaccinations (COVID-19, influenza, dTpa, hepatitis B), and an NDIS Worker Screening Check (some facilities require this in addition to the WWCC). Clinton Institute's student support team helps you organise each of these.
How to Make the Most of Your Placement
Melbourne aged care employers frequently hire staff who impressed them during placement. To make a strong impression: arrive 10 minutes early every shift, wear the uniform neatly and consistently, ask questions — curiosity is valued in aged care settings, take notes on resident preferences and care plans (shows professional interest), and communicate proactively with your placement supervisor about what you are learning. Many Clinton Institute students receive part-time employment offers from their placement host before they even finish their course.
What Happens After Placement?
Once you complete your 120 hours and your placement supervisor signs your competency logbook, Clinton Institute issues your CHC33021 certificate. With this qualification, you can apply for aged care roles across Melbourne. Employers like Arcare, Opal HealthCare, and Benetas are always recruiting CHC33021-qualified staff. Your placement experience gives you exactly the references and demonstrated competence they are looking for.
Ready to Start?
Clinton Institute (RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03540C) enrols in CHC33021 each intake. Placement is arranged as part of your course. Apply at clinton.edu.au/apply-to-study or contact admission@clinton.edu.au.