CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support

Course description

This qualification prepares you for a rewarding career supporting teachers and students in primary and secondary school settings. Education support workers assist teachers by supporting student learning, working with small groups or individual students, and helping create inclusive, safe, and supportive classroom environments. All work is undertaken under the guidance of a teacher or other educational professionals, in accordance with State and Territory requirements.

Education support workers are employed mainly in classroom settings within primary and secondary schools and play an important role in supporting students’ learning, participation, and wellbeing.

Delivery Modes

1. Blended Learning (non-trainee and non-work-based learning students)

This course is delivered through blended learning, combining on-campus and online study.

2. Traineeship Pathway

The traineeship pathway is designed for students who are employed in a school and undertaking a formal traineeship arrangement through their employer. This pathway allows students to gain hands-on workplace experience while completing their qualification.

3. Work-Based Learning Pathway

The Work-Based Learning pathway is suitable for students who are already employed in a school but are not completing a formal traineeship. This flexible option enables students to combine their existing work experience with formal training and assessment.

Scroll down for more information on course delivery and study commitment and work placement requirements.

Possible career outcomes

• Teacher aide 
• Integration aide 
• Education assistant 
• Classroom assistant 
• Specialist education aide (e.g. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support staff) 

Applications and attendance

Course delivery and study commitment – Work-Based Learning Pathway

This course is delivered through flexible work-based and online learning, allowing students to combine their employment in a school with formal training.

Students will undertake:

• Self-paced online study
• Supported access to trainers and teachers
• Regular workplace visits and guidance from teachers
• Ongoing practical learning in their school workplace

Students should also allow time each week to complete learning activities and assessments outside of work hours.

To achieve this qualification, students must complete a minimum of 100 hours of work-based learning in a classroom environment catering to:

• Primary and/or secondary school students
• At least one school in Victoria

Work-based learning is a core requirement of the course and provides valuable practical experience in a real education setting.

Additional attendance information

Technology and online learning:  

As part of this course, students are required to have access to:

• A computer, laptop, or suitable device
• Reliable internet access
• Headset and camera capability for online classes and participation

Students should also have sufficient digital literacy skills to navigate online learning systems and complete online assessments.

Students will use The Gordon’s online learning portal to access learning materials, assessments, and course communications. Computers, Wi-Fi, and additional support services are also available on campus for eligible students.

Work placement/industry experience

Entrance requirements

• Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3.
• 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. 

1. Blended learning requirements

Applicants must be 18 years and over at the time of course commencement.

2. Work-based learning pathway requirements

To undertake this pathway as a profile student, applicants must be employed for 13 hours or more in an approved Australian primary or secondary school and will be required to provide a letter from your employer confirming the below as supporting evidence:

• - Your current job title and responsibilities
• - The length of time you’ve been employed at the service
• - Your weekly hours
• - A copy of your position description
• - Confirmation that your service can support you in meeting the practical requirements of the course
• - Acknowledgement that you are able to complete your studies in your own time

3. 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.

Units and assessments

Assessment is based on:

• Questioning 
• Observations and practical demonstrations 
• Portfolio (work samples)                   
• Product (reports, projects, role plays etc)        
• Workplace evidence

Fees

Further study options