Introduction to Direct Support Skill Set

All students must be over 18 years of age.

To enter the ageing or disability sector, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• NDIS worker screening check
• Current Flu vaccine
• National Criminal History Record Check

Please note, you may be required to meet additional requirements to enter the workforce, however these may be sector or work place specific and you will be notified if you are required to meet any additional requirements.

How to Apply

Make an expression of interest at jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/pathways(opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab).

Should your expression of interest show you are the right fit for the industry, you will be invited to attend an information session, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and get access to lecturers and information about work placement employers.
 

For more information visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/pathways(opens in a new tab) or call 08 6551 5049 or email SWAD@dtwd.wa.gov.au

• Aged care assistant
• Personal care assistant

*! The free training is available to permanent residents of Western Australia.

Temporary residents holding one of the following visa types are also eligible:

• holders of a sub-class 309, 444, 785, 790, 820 or 826 visa;
• secondary holders of a temporary visa of sub-class 457; and
• holders of a Bridging Visa E (subclasses 050 and 051) where the visa holder has made a valid application for a visa of subclass 785 or 790.

Who is not eligible

• Persons living outside of Western Australia, or Australia, are not eligible.
• International students and people on a student visa are not eligible.
• Students who are still at school are not eligible, and cannot enrol in the free skill sets. 

* Indicative Fee Disclaimers

Fees and charges published on our website are indicative only, and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis in 2023. 

• Fees may differ between courses delivered at different campuses due to the elective units included in the course study plan or adapting courses to meet local industry needs.
• Fees may also differ for each individual student depending on the units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning.
• Fees are payable at time of enrolment.
• Proof of concession must be presented to access concession rates if eligible.
• For secondary school aged persons not enrolled at school (in 2023, students born on or after 1 July 2005 who are at least 15 years old) the maximum course fee chargeable in 2023 is $420 plus the resource fees and discretionary fees.
• Concessions and Secondary School Age cap do not apply to commercial courses (such as short courses), or Foundation Programs (ESL, General Education, etc.).
• Prices quoted include resource fees, but do not include material fees such as the cost of books, uniforms, and students personal equipment.
• The course fee cap applicable to Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas only applies during the current calendar year, so fees might differ for students enrolling in semester 2.
• VET Student Loans Eligible Courses and Caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
• Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
• Depending on your circumstances, payment options may include paying fees via instalments or applying for assistance because of financial hardship.
• Visit the Fees and Payment Options page for further information.