RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C
Step 1: Confirm Aged Care Is the Right Fit
Before enrolling, understand what aged care work involves. Aged care workers assist older people with daily living activities — personal care (showering, dressing), medication assistance, meal preparation, mobility support, and social engagement. The work is emotionally rewarding but can be physically and emotionally demanding. If you enjoy working with older people and want a career with strong job prospects, aged care is an excellent choice in 2026.
Step 2: Get the Right Qualification — CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
The minimum qualification for aged care work in Australia is CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. Delivered by Clinton Institute (RTO 41597 | CRICOS: 115261A) at the Melbourne campus, this nationally recognised qualification covers everything employers look for: person-centred care, manual handling, infection control, dementia care, and communication skills. This is the qualification Melbourne aged care employers ask for by name.
Step 3: Meet the Student Visa Requirements (International Students)
If you are on a subclass 500 student visa, you can study CHC33021 at a CRICOS-registered provider like Clinton Institute. The course must be on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and meet your visa's attendance and progress requirements. CHC33021 at Clinton Institute is CRICOS-registered (Course Code: 115261A) and eligible for international student enrolment.
Step 4: Complete Required Clearances Before Placement
Before your work placement begins, you will need: a National Police Check (via fit2work.com.au or similar, $20–$50), a Working with Children Check Victoria (WWCC — free for students, $120 for paid workers), evidence of required vaccinations (COVID-19, influenza, dTpa, hepatitis B series), and a NDIS Worker Screening Check (may be required by some employers). Clinton Institute's student support team guides you through each step.
Step 5: Complete 120 Hours of Work Placement
CHC33021 requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised work placement in an approved aged care facility. Clinton Institute arranges placement for all students in Melbourne-based aged care homes and home care services. This placement is where you apply your classroom learning in a real care setting — and where many employers scout for future employees.
Step 6: Receive Your Certificate and Start Applying
Once you complete all theory units and placement hours, Clinton Institute issues your CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. With this in hand, you can apply for Aged Care Worker, Personal Care Assistant, or Home Care Worker roles across Melbourne. Employers like Arcare, Opal HealthCare, and Benetas actively recruit CHC33021-qualified staff.
Step 7: Consider Further Study for Higher Pay
After gaining experience, progress to CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS: 115262M) — also offered by Clinton Institute at the Melbourne campus. This qualification unlocks supervisory and case management roles, with hourly rates rising from $27–$32 to $32–$38 per hour under the SCHA2022 Aged Care Award.
Ready to Start?
Clinton Institute (RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03540C) enrols for CHC33021 each intake at the Melbourne campus. Apply online at clinton.edu.au/apply-to-study or contact admission@clinton.edu.au.