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Yes, work placement is a mandatory requirement for the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. According to the national training package, every student must complete a minimum of 120 hours of supervised workplace practice before they can be awarded this qualification. This applies across all delivery modes and training providers in Victoria, including ALIT’s ageing support program in West Melbourne.
Work placement is not optional or elective — it is embedded in the assessment requirements of the core units of competency. Training providers cannot waive or substitute these hours, and students who do not complete the full 120 hours will not receive their certificate.
How Many Hours of Work Placement Does CHC43015 Require?
The national training package for CHC43015 specifies a minimum of 120 hours of work placement. This is typically completed in a structured block during the later stages of the course, after students have developed foundational knowledge and practical skills in the classroom.
At ALIT, the 36 to 52 week course schedule integrates the 120-hour placement within the overall program timeline, so students do not need to extend their enrolment to fit in the required hours. Monthly intake dates give you flexibility to start at a time that suits your personal schedule.
Where Can You Complete Your CHC43015 Work Placement?
Work placement for CHC43015 must take place in a regulated aged care environment. Acceptable settings include:
- Residential aged care facilities
- Home and community care services
- Community-based aged care providers
- Assisted living facilities
The placement must be supervised by a qualified professional who can assess your competency against the training package requirements. Your training provider arranges these placements, though some students may source their own with approval from their assessor.
Why Is 120 Hours of Work Placement Important?
The 120-hour requirement exists for practical reasons. Aged care work involves hands-on tasks — assisting clients with daily activities, following individualised care plans, maintaining health and safety standards, and communicating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills can only be developed and assessed in a real workplace setting.
Employers in the aged care sector expect graduates to have completed meaningful placement hours. Completing the full 120 hours gives you evidence of workplace readiness that goes beyond a classroom qualification.
What Happens During the Work Placement?
During your 120-hour placement, you will be assessed on competencies from the core units of the CHC43015 qualification. Typical tasks include:
- Supporting clients with personal care and mobility assistance
- Contributing to individualised service planning and delivery
- Maintaining workplace health and safety standards
- Documenting client progress and reporting to supervisors
- Working collaboratively with aged care teams
Your assessor will visit the workplace at agreed intervals to observe your performance and provide feedback. Both your workplace supervisor and your training assessor must sign off on each competency before it is marked as achieved.
Does RPL Affect the Work Placement Requirement?
CHC43015 does offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for students who already have significant experience in aged care. However, RPL typically applies to knowledge and skills-based units, not the workplace hours themselves. Even with RPL, you may still need to demonstrate some supervised placement hours to satisfy the assessment requirements. Contact your training provider to discuss how RPL might apply to your individual situation.
How to Get Started with CHC43015 in Victoria
If you are ready to begin the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support, ALIT offers monthly intake dates at the West Melbourne campus. The program includes a comprehensive overview of the qualification, structured work placement arrangements, and ongoing support throughout your studies. The course fees and flexible delivery options make it accessible to a wide range of students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is work placement the same as an internship?
No. Work placement for CHC43015 is a formal, assessed component of your qualification. An internship may be voluntary and unstructured, but placement hours are directly tied to your training package assessment requirements and must be completed under qualified supervision.
Can I complete my placement part time?
Yes, many training providers allow the 120 hours to be completed over several weeks on a part-time basis, provided the hours are completed within the agreed timeframe of your enrolment. Check with your provider for their specific placement schedule.
What if I already work in aged care?
If you are already employed in a regulated aged care setting, some of your existing work may count towards your placement hours, subject to your training provider’s assessment. Ask your provider about RPL and workplace assessment options.
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