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Do you want to make a difference for communities?
When you complete the Certificate III in Community Services you'll be on your way to a career as a youth worker, support worker, or family carer.
Gain these skills:
- communicate and work effectively
- gather and provide information
- advocacy and community development
- ethical behaviour
- legal responsibilities
You will also gain an understanding of mental health, alcohol, drug, and domestic violence services.
Want to find out more about this industry?
Students in community services benefit from sharing information about organisations, initiatives and leading expertise in our Community Services Facebook page.
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2020 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more
Online study is available for this course. Be sure to check the study requirements tab for information about studying this course using eCampus including our helpful online study guide, then use the apply now link where you see the online study option.
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
This course is available as a traineeship.
Entrance requirements for traineeships
You must be employed in a training contract by an appropriate organisation to study an apprenticeship or traineeship.
In a traineeship you also gain hands-on skills and work experience, and improve your employment prospects, while earning a wage. On successful completion you will gain a nationally recognised qualification which can lead to rewarding career options. The difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship is that a traineeship can be either a full time or part time employment based training arrangement, usually for a nominal duration of 12 months or more, generally in a non-trade related area.
To find out how to arrange a traineeship and study at South Metropolitan TAFE, please contact the Jobs and Skills Centre(opens in a new tab) closest to you.
Attendance in class
You will need to attend class for one semester when studied full-time, the days and times differ between campuses.
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 20 minutes of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID and stationery (pen and exercise book).
Clothing suitable for an office work place must be worn.
Work placement
This qualification requires the completion of a work placement of approximately 120 hours.
If you live in the local area of Perth you will be assisted to find a placement if you are unable to find one.
Online study
Students completing the online study option will enrol into and complete two units at a time, with progress monitored by their lecturer. This can be done at a pace suitable to you but for each group of units you have 4 months to complete, so we recommend you use our schedule provided to you at enrolment to assist you in avoiding having to re-enrol in the unit.
Your study will use online software, with access provided to you after enrolment. You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
The nature of online study can involve a significant investment of time and the ability to be a focused, self-motivated learner. You should consider your personal circumstances and past study history before committing to study online. Find out more in our online study info pack below.
Online study info pack (334 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)
All students enrolled in Community Services, Youth Work and Mental Health are encouraged to obtain First Aid training (HLTAID011 is preferred). On campus students will receive first aid training as a unit in the recommended study plan. Online students will need to organise and pay for the training as their own responsibility.
You may be required to obtain a Working With Children Check and National Police Clearance prior to a supervised work placement. This will depend on the organisation you arrange your work placement with.
For more information visit:
https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au(opens in a new tab)
https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Police-Direct/National-Police-Certificates(opens in a new tab)
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
SM TAFE actively promotes the employment availability of course graduates to key industry partners and organisations. We also seek expressions of interest from organisations for the placement of our students into work experience. In addition, this course involves work placement, giving you further opportunity to develop relationships with potential employers. We endeavour to assist students into a career pathway, but please be aware that employment is not guaranteed by us.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Study options and next steps
Click on your preferred study mode below to get started with your application.