TAFE Queensland
9 months (full-time); 1 year (part-time); Average 18 months (online self-directed)
Start your career in education as a teacher aide or education support worker. This entry-level Certificate III equips you with essential skills to support teachers and students in classroom settings, with strong job growth prospects and flexible study options across Queensland.
You should have basic English, Maths, and digital technology skills (recommended benchmark level 3 in each). A reliable internet connection and computer with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader are required for online learning. If not currently employed in industry, you must complete 100 hours of placement in an approved school setting and obtain a Blue Card. Some facilities may require vaccinations. Medical contraindications may prevent completion of placement requirements.
Core units include: Working with diverse people and cultures; Meeting legal and ethical obligations in education support; Contributing to planning and implementation of educational programs; Supporting student development across physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language domains; Supporting literacy and oral language skills development; Supporting numeracy skills development; Supporting students with additional needs; Contributing to health, safety and wellbeing; Working effectively with students and colleagues; Supporting responsible student behaviour. Elective units cover Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural understanding, e-learning support, learning support for students with disabilities, identifying and responding to at-risk children, and workplace health and safety. The course includes 100 hours of vocational placement in an approved school setting.
TAFE Queensland is a leading vocational education provider with highly experienced industry professionals delivering this qualification. The institution offers flexible study options across multiple Queensland locations, government-funded Fee-Free TAFE eligibility for eligible students, and strong connections to employers. With over 85,000 expected job openings for teacher aides in the coming years, TAFE Queensland's curriculum is designed to meet current industry demands and prepare graduates for immediate employment.
Upon completion, you can work as a teacher aide, education support officer, education aide, teaching assistant, school learning support officer, school services officer, integration aide, special needs teacher aide, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education officer, or outside school hours care assistant. The qualification also provides a pathway to further studies in education, including progression to Certificate IV in School Based Education Support. With strong job growth expected, graduates have excellent career prospects in both public and private school settings.
