Course description
The Certificate I in Work Education is designed for young learners with a permanent cognitive and/or intellectual disability. It provides an applied learning program that supports participation in work and community life.
The qualification focuses on the development of foundational employability skills, personal and social capabilities, and work-related routines within supported and structured environments.
Learners are supported to identify individual goals, build independence in everyday and work-related activities, and demonstrate safe and appropriate behaviours in workplace and community settings.
The course enables learners to explore and prepare for future pathways, including further education and training, supported or open employment, volunteering, and meaningful community participation, in line with their strengths, interests, and support needs.
Possible Career Outcomes
- Retail assistant (entry-level)
- Hospitality support roles
- Cleaning or facilities support
- Gardening or grounds maintenance assistance
- Administration or office support (task based)
Applications & attendance
How to apply
- Follow our instructions for how to apply for a course.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit Customer Service or email COURINFO@gordontafe.edu.au.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 July Geelong City Campus |
Open: 1 Apr 2026 Close: 1 Jul 2026 |
Class Day | Full Time | Start: 13 Jul 2026 | Mon to Thurs I 9am to 3pm | Apply |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course. Spaces are limited and only completed applications will be considered for an offer. Intakes can be cancelled at any time.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 15 years and over at the time of course commencement.
- Any student under the age of 17 must provide a Transition from School form prior to undertaking this course, unless they have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification (AQF Level II or above), in which case a school exemption is not required.
- Applicants must provide evidence of a permanent cognitive impairment or intellectual disability. Evidence may include, but is not limited to:
- formal assessment by a registered medical practitioner
- doctor’s or specialist reports
- attendance at a Specialist School / SDS
- integration support at school
- integration support at school with modified curriculum.
- Applicants need to obtain relevant legislative checks where required for work-related or community-based activities.
- For example: Working with Children Check, rr Police checks which are communicated prior to enrolment and published on The Gordon’s website.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Develop and apply an individual vocational plan with support | VU24035 | 100 |
| Develop personal management skills for work | VU24036 | 80 |
| Develop workplace communication skills | VU24039 | 30 |
| Follow WHS procedures | MSMWHS100 | 20 |
| Participate in practical placement with support | VU24038 | 300 |
| Participate in vocational activities | VU24037 | 400 |
| Prepare for employment | VU23723 | 0 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Participate in job seeking activities | VU23725 | 30 |
| Work with fractions, decimals and percentages in familiar and predictable situations | VU23781 | 30 |
| Work with whole numbers in familiar and predictable situations | VU23780 | 30 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Questioning
- Observations and practical demonstrations
- Portfolio (work samples)
- Workplace evidence
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.32 | per hour | 1050 | AUD $336.00 | AUD $16,168.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $1.60 | per hour | 1050 |
AUD $1,680.00 | AUD $16,168.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $17.40 | per hour | 1050 |
AUD $18,270.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resources | AUD $150.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $157.50 | Charged at enrolment | |||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.