Congratulations, you have completed Modules 1 - 5! Now, it's time for you to begin work placement. This module is dedicated to Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA) – SWLA 1, and it aims to prepare you for a successful work placement experience. This module contains useful information about work placement requirements as well as tips and hints to get the most out of this period of time.
What is SWLA?
SWLA stands for Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment. Swinburne Open Education offers students a unique opportunity to study in an online environment to develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen field at a time and pace that suit them.
Certificate III in individual support requires practical skill application as well to achieve competency. Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA) offers students the opportunity to seek out a workplace where they can apply their learning in practical ways in order to expand on and demonstrate their skills.
You are required to complete a minimum of 120 hours for Certificate III in individual support, at an approved regulated aged care or disability service depending on the stream you have chosen to study and are enrolled in to study.
The minimum number of hours is split across SWLA Block 1 (SWLA 1) and SWLA Block 2 (SWLA 2).
Your work placement is split into two (2):
In SWLA 1, you are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours at an approved regulated Aged care or Disability service. There is no age-group specification for SWLA 1.
In SWLA 2, you are required to complete a minimum of 60-120 hours at an approved regulated Aged care or Disability service.
The above hours are just indicative of you successfully completing the course. We understand some of the tasks you will undertake during the SWLA may be repetitive in nature but the units are set out in a way that ensure you get enough practice and hands on skills to gain confidence and appropriate work skills and you are work ready!
Your Workplace Supervisor is required to sign off on all hours completed in both SWLA 1 and SWLA 2. Once you have completed the learning and assessments for Modules 1 – 5, Module 6 (SWLA 1) will be unlocked. At the end of your placement, you will be required to submit all SWLA 1 assessment documents and supporting documents to demonstrate competency in the units covered during SWLA 1.
During SWLA 1, you will be required to complete a series of tasks to demonstrate competency in the following units of competency:
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work on health or community services |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control |
When you have all theory and SWLA assessments marked as 'Competent', and you have completed the required 60 hours of work placement (recorded in the required documentation and signed off by the Workplace Supervisor), you will be deemed 'Competent' for the units listed above.
