CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
Next intake
July 2025Location
Geelong City CampusWorkplace
Workplace
Information Sessions
Course description
This qualification reflects the role of workers who assist teachers and support student learning in a range of classroom settings. They support students with learning under the guidance of a teacher or other educational professionals.
Education support workers work mainly with students in classroom settings in primary or secondary schools, as defined by State/Territory legislation.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of 100 hours of work in a classroom environment catering to primary or secondary school students, within at least one school in Victoria.
Work placement/industry experience
Come and study the CHC30221 Certificate III in School-Based Education Support at The Gordon. Our course will equip you with the hands-on skills you need to apply the theory you learn throughout your studies. Students will need to successfully undertake the mandatory 100 hours of placement in an approved school. Additional placement hours may be undertaken to complete required assessment tasks. Students can undertake practical placement in any government, Catholic, private or independent school (primary or secondary) as approved by The Gordon.
Possible career outcomes
- Teacher aide
- Integration aide
- Education assistant
- Classroom assistant
- Specialist education aide (eg Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support staff)
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 request application support via email.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants
To become an apprentice or trainee, you will first need to find an employer willing to employ you. An Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider can assist you with this and will also start your application and enrolment process. Find a local provider here
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 July Geelong City Campus |
Open: 1 Apr 2025 Close: 1 Jul 2025 |
Class Day | Full Time | Start: 22 Jul 2025 | Mon & Wed 9am - 3.30pm | Apply |
| 2025 Full Year Workplace |
Open: 31 Jul 2024 Close: 15 Dec 2025 |
Workplace | Part Time | Timetable supplied once admitted |
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.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years and over at the time of course commencement.
- Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3.
- July 2025 Intake: All applicants must attend The Gordon to undertake our Pre-training review and interview before being offered a position within the course. Additionally, applicants must meet all specified criteria to be eligible for consideration.
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Work placement requirements
- Students will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check prior to undertaking any practical placement components.
- Dependent on the school where placement is undertaken, certain vaccinations may also be required.
Apprenticeship and traineeship requirements
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants must be currently employed under a training contract and referred by their employer.
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 | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Contribute to student education in all developmental domains | CHCEDS035 | 60 |
| Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students | CHCEDS059 | 30 |
| Contribute to the planning and implementation of educational programs | CHCEDS034 | 70 |
| Meet legal and ethical obligations in an education support environment | CHCEDS033 | 35 |
| Support responsible student behaviour | CHCEDS061 | 45 |
| Support students with additional needs in the classroom | CHCEDS057 | 85 |
| Support the development of literacy and oral language skills | CHCEDS036 | 55 |
| Support the development of numeracy skills | CHCEDS037 | 60 |
| Work effectively with students and colleagues | CHCEDS060 | 50 |
| Work with diverse people | CHCDIV001 | 40 |
| Electives | Code | Hours |
| Identify and respond to children and young people at risk | CHCPRT001 | 40 |
| Participate in workplace health and safety | HLTWHS001 | 20 |
| Provide support to students with autism spectrum disorder | CHCEDS056 | 50 |
| Support student literacy learning | CHCEDS046 | 65 |
| Support student mathematics learning | CHCEDS045 | 45 |
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)
- Product (reports, projects, role plays etc)
- Workplace evidence
Fees
This course is eligible for Free TAFE!
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply. Follow the link for further information and to check the eligibility criteria.
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $1.14 | per hour | 750 | AUD $855.00 | AUD $5,662.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $5.69 | per hour | 750 | AUD $4,268.00 | AUD $5,662.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $11.49 | per hour | 750 | AUD $8,618.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resources | AUD $300.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $112.50 | 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
- CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
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.