SkillsIQ, under the direction of the Aged Services Industry Reference Committee, is undertaking the development of an initial new qualification –
.
This work is being undertaken in response to recommendations from the Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce report,
. The proposed qualification is aimed at ensuring workers are equipped with the skills required to work effectively in the aged care sector and provide quality care to their clients.
This project will take place in two distinct phases. The first, which commenced in March 2019, looks to re-package current units of competency from the
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) into a new Certificate III qualification, designed to better meet the immediate and critical skills required of the aged care workforce. As part of this process, it is proposed that several Units of Competency, which were previously electives in the
Certificate III in Individual Support, will become core units in this new qualification, to better reflect the current skill needs of the aged care workforce. This process has been directed to ensuring greater alignment with contemporary aged care needs and national consistency in content of training that is required by industry as a matter of urgency.
The second phase, to commence early next year, will encompass a full review and update of the Units of Competency relevant to aged care to ensure they are fit for purpose and meet industry’s ongoing needs. This will also require consideration of providing streamlined access to appropriate career development opportunities for industry and employees.
National consultation on Draft 1 of the new qualification (titled at that time
Certificate III in Ageing Support) took place from 29 March 2019 to 24 May 2019. On completion of the Draft 1 consultation, IRC members analysed and discussed the feedback received and determined actions for the development of Draft 2.
In the wake of the Draft 1 feedback responses, the IRC recommended that Draft 2 of the proposed new qualification be modelled on the current
Certificate III in Individual Support, with amended packaging rules to make it more broadly applicable across the ageing, disability and home and community care sectors. Furthermore, the elective options for those wishing to complete the Aged Care specialisation have now been broadened to provide a wider range of options. It was agreed that the revised qualification be titled
Certificate III in Care Support.
More information on the project may be found in the Validation Guide which may be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
Consultation Activities and Timelines
National consultation for Draft 2 Validation is open from
Monday, 18 November 2019 to
Friday, 6 December 2019.
Webinars:
SkillsIQ will host a series of webinars to seek stakeholder input. To register your interest in joining a webinar, please click on one of the links below:
Date Time
Tuesday, 26 November 9:00am - 10:00am AEDT -
closed
Wednesday, 27 November 3:00pm - 4:00pm AEDT -
closed
Thursday, 28 November 1:30pm - 2:30pm AEDT -
closed
Following the close of the validation period, feedback received will be collated by SkillsIQ and evaluated by the IRC. This feedback will inform the final version of the new qualification, which will be submitted to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee for endorsement.
Further Information
For more information, please contact Patrick Cummings on
(02) 9392 8100, or via email:
patrick.cummings@skillsiq.com.au.