Supporting Growth: CBS Support Workers complete Certificate III in Individual Support

At CBS, ongoing learning is a key part of professional growth. For staff members Bethany and Casey, completing their Certificate III in Individual Support has been a rewarding journey, enhancing both their careers and the care they provide to clients.

Bethany found the training deepened her understanding of client needs, particularly in personalised care and communication. “I’ve always cared about my clients, but now I have a much stronger foundation to support them properly. The course helped me understand not just what to do, but why we do it,” she shared.

For Casey, moving from a Domestic Assistance role into support work with a more Personal Care focus was a significant step. (Domestic Assistance covers household tasks like cleaning and meal prep, while Personal Care involves direct support with showering, dressing, and mobility).  “I wanted to make sure I had the right skills to give people the best support possible,” she said. “The hands-on training made a huge difference. I feel so much more confident now in my day-to-day work.”

CBS recognises the challenges of balancing study with work commitments and offers a range of support for Cert III students. “Our intention is to engage more training providers, whereby students will have access to weekly face-to-face workshops with time paid by CBS,” said Senior HR Advisor Regina. “We also ensure that placement hours can be completed with CBS, which hasn’t always been possible in the past. Plus, we continue to support different learning styles, offering additional assistance where needed.”

Managing study alongside work required careful planning. Casey reduced her hours to focus on coursework, while Bethany found shifting between work and study mindsets challenging. “It took a while to find a rhythm, but making time for study and asking for help when I needed it made all the difference,” Bethany said.

Each had their own approach to learning. Bethany valued video resources and direct teacher support, while Casey found a mix of attending in-person classes and having a quiet space at home helped her stay on track. “I set up a dedicated study space at home, and that really helped me focus,” she said.

CBS also ensures that Certificate III training is applied in real work scenarios. “Staff often find they are already performing some of the tasks in their Domestic Assistance roles, like meal prep and unaccompanied shopping. After completing about five units, students can start working more actively in the support worker role,” Regina explained. “We provide buddy shifts in personal care to build confidence, and after that, explore options to transition to a support worker contract with ongoing check-ins for additional support.”

Beyond the qualification, both Bethany and Casey reflected on the personal fulfilment they gain from their work. “It’s more than just a job; it’s about making a difference in someone’s life every day,” Bethany said.

Casey agreed. “I love seeing the positive impact we can have. Even small things, like helping someone feel heard and respected mean so much. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”

By investing in training and upskilling, CBS empowers its staff to provide high-quality, person-centred care. This commitment strengthens the CBS team and offers a rewarding career pathway for those looking to give back to their community.