Australia offers free support worker courses! Get certified and kick-start your career. Not only that, we also provide job placement services to help you become a respected member of the support community.

Benefits of Online Support Worker Courses with Certificates

Flexibility and Convenience

Online courses allow you to learn at your own pace and schedule, making it easier to balance work, study, and personal commitments.

Career Advancement

Obtaining a certificate can enhance your resume, demonstrating your commitment to professional development and making you more attractive to potential employers.

Skill Enhancement

Courses provide updated knowledge and practical skills essential for effective performance in support roles.

Networking Opportunities

Online courses often include forums or community groups where you can interact with peers, share experiences, and build professional relationships.

Accessibility

Many online courses are accessible from anywhere, requiring only an internet connection, which makes it easier to continue your education regardless of geographic location.

Top Online Support Worker Courses of 2024 with Free and Paid Certificates

1. TAFE (Technical and Further Education)

Online and Subsidized Programs: TAFE offers several support and community care courses online, some of which may be government-subsidized based on eligibility. Look for courses under Community Services or Individual Support.

Certificate III in Individual Support: This qualification is a common entry-level credential for support workers and is often available online or as a blended course.

Government Funding and Fee Waivers: TAFE often has funding options for eligible Australians, such as fee waivers for job seekers, youth, or those facing financial hardship.

2. MySkills.gov.au

Course Finder Tool: MySkills is an Australian government platform where you can search for online courses in support work, disability care, and community services.

Free or Low-Cost Options: MySkills can help locate free or subsidized courses provided by various institutions, including vocational courses in support work.

3. Open Universities Australia

Online Courses with Certificates: Open Universities Australia offers various online support and community care courses from different universities. Look for short courses in Health and Social Care or Community Services.

Certifications: Paid certificates from accredited Australian universities are available after course completion.

4. Coursera and edX

Internationally-Recognized Online Courses: Coursera and edX provide a variety of caregiving, social work, and healthcare courses from universities around the world, including Australia-based institutions.

Free Courses with Paid Certificates: You can audit courses for free and later opt for a paid certificate. Courses in Caregiving Skills, Social Work, and Health Fundamentals may be especially relevant for support work.

5. Alison

Free Courses with Paid Certification Options: Alison offers free online courses with the option to pay for a certificate. Courses include topics in Caregiving, Social Work, and Mental Health Awareness.

Diplomas in Caregiving: Alison’s diploma courses, like Diploma in Caregiving, offer a more in-depth look at support work skills and can be completed for free, with an optional paid certificate.

6. Australian Red Cross

Caregiving and Community Support Training: The Red Cross offers a range of online training programs that cover essential caregiving skills and community support.

Certification: While most Red Cross courses have a fee, they often offer special discounts and recognized certifications in areas like Mental Health First Aid and Dementia Care.

7. Government and Nonprofit Programs (JobTrainer and Workforce Australia)

Subsidized Training Programs: The JobTrainer initiative, in partnership with Workforce Australia, offers free or low-cost courses in high-demand sectors like aged care, disability support, and health services. Eligible individuals, such as those under 25 or currently unemployed, may receive free training.

Short Courses and Micro-Credentials: Look for micro-credentialed programs in caregiving, disability support, and individual care.

8. FutureLearn

Flexible Online Courses: FutureLearn offers support worker-related courses like Introduction to Social Care, Mental Health, and End-of-Life Care. These are free for a limited time and offer a certificate for a fee.

Short Courses on Social Services: FutureLearn partners with Australian universities and global institutions, allowing access to relevant training with optional paid certification.

Additional Tips

Check Local Health and Community Care Providers: Some employers, especially in aged care and disability support, offer training programs with conditional employment contracts.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF): Ensure that any paid certification course aligns with AQF standards, which ensures the qualification is nationally recognized.

The free courses for support workers offered by the Government of Australia are a unique opportunity that will benefit you whether you are just entering the workforce or looking to change your career path. Not only is this a chance to gain professional skills, it is also a way to engage in social service and improve the lives of others. Join us and help bring positive energy to our communities and be part of the change!