If you are studying a nationally accredited course in Individual Support (Ageing, Disability or Home and Community care) you are required to complete 120 hours of Vocational Placement. This is a compulsory, assessable part of your course which will lead to the issue of your formal qualification or statement of attainment. For many students, this is a new and exciting opportunity to put all the skills and knowledge they learnt in class to the test! Below is a quick guide explaining all you need to know before starting your Vocational Placement in 2017:
What exactly is Vocational Placement?
A Vocational Placement is the assessable part of your Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Disability or Home and Community care). Vocational Placement refers to a student’s practical training and experience in a professional setting.  The experience with the placement provider will:
Vocational Training in Individual Support typically focuses on training students how to perform the tasks that would be required of them in the workforce. Undertaking a Vocational Placement means you’ll be placed in a professional workplace to receive practical, hands-on training from professionals in these areas. This unique teaching method aims to equip you with competitive skills and industry standard experience which you can immediately apply to the workforce. Essentially, completing a Vocational Placement will help you prepare for your job after graduation.
How Does it Work?
Upon completion of theoretical units and practical training in manual handling and first aid, your trainer will assess your competency level, ensure you meet the compulsory requirements and then assign you a Queensford College Vocational Placement Coordinator. From here, you must secure a facility suitable for your Vocational Placement. Alternatively, the Vocational Placement Coordinator may offer you assistance, and suggest available placement spots in facilities currently offered by Queensford College. After you have confirmed the location of your Vocational Placement, the Vocational Placement Coordinator will then send through the relevant documentation and liaise with managers and staff at the facility through-out your placement.
Once you’re placed in the aged care facility or community care centre in a location suitable to you, you will then be required to complete your 120 hour Individual Support Placement.
Benefits:
Completing an aged care vocational placement in an aged care facility can lead to a number of benefits including:
Better chances of employment
Students who have received formal practical training have a better chance at securing a full-time position within the Individual Support industry after graduating. Acquiring practical skills and competencies shows potential employers that you are work ready.
Higher earning levels
Studies show that individuals who have sought formal education and training will receive higher paying wages than those who don’t. Having a formal qualification is proof of your industry standard skills and knowledge and will set you apart from competitors.
Increased job satisfaction
Students who have participated in and completed formal vocational training are said to have better job satisfaction. This is because those who feel better prepared and competent at what they’re doing will feel confident and in control; instead of nervous and unsure.
Hands-on learning approach
The training you receive is specifically related to the Individual Support industry. Upon completion, you will have a better understanding of the practical elements involved in individual support compared to those who don’t have any real-life training.
Student Story:
Micco began studying his Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) in early 2016. When it came time for his vocational placement, Micco said the staff were eager to share their experience and expertise and show him how to provide the best quality of individualised care.
Overall, Micco said this placement gave him the necessary industry skills, experience and confidence he needed to become a Personal Care Worker (PCW). After his placement, the aged care facility he completed his training at offered him a permanent full –time job!! Accepting the job, Micco was able to transform his passion into a career in just half a year!
Well done Micco!
If you’re interested in a career like Micco’s, check out our Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) or any other of courses in Individual Support for Disability or Community Care here.