A CHC33021 traineeship lets a worker complete their Certificate III in Individual Support while earning a wage in an aged care, disability or home care role. In Queensland, traineeships are formal training contracts supported by the state User Choice funding program, and Aspire to Succeed (RTO 32555) is approved to deliver CHC33021 to trainees across the state in 2026.
Who can start a CHC33021 traineeship in QLD?
To sign a CHC33021 traineeship in Queensland in 2026, the trainee usually needs to be employed (full-time, part-time or school-based) in a role that allows them to perform CHC33021 unit tasks under supervision. Employers must be a registered training contract employer and meet supervision obligations. School-based traineeships are also available for senior students.
General eligibility is set by the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT). Current rules and exemptions are published at desbt.qld.gov.au.
Funding and wages overview
Government funding for the training component comes through User Choice, paid to Aspire to Succeed as the chosen RTO once a training contract is registered and a training plan is signed. The trainee wage is paid by the employer at the relevant trainee wage rate set by the modern award covering the workplace (most often the SCHADS Award for community services and disability work, or the Aged Care Award for aged care).
Current minimum trainee rates are listed by the Fair Work Ombudsman — always check the latest figures before signing a contract because rates and allowances are updated annually.
Step-by-step: how to set up a CHC33021 traineeship
- Employer and trainee agree on the role. The trainee needs to be working in tasks aligned to CHC33021 units, with a suitable workplace supervisor.
- Choose an Apprenticeship Network Provider (AASN). The AASN drafts and registers the training contract with DESBT.
- Nominate Aspire to Succeed as the RTO. You can name us on the training contract; this triggers the User Choice funding application.
- Sign the training plan. Aspire to Succeed builds a CHC33021 training plan covering units, on-the-job learning, formal study and assessment.
- Start training and assessment. The trainee progresses through CHC33021 units online and on the job, with workplace observations completed by an Aspire assessor.
- Complete and graduate. Once all units are deemed competent, the trainee is issued the nationally recognised CHC33021 qualification.
Why CHC33021 works well as a traineeship
Because CHC33021 is the standard entry qualification for aged care and disability support, every unit maps clearly to real day-to-day support tasks. That makes it well suited to on-the-job assessment, and means employers retain a fully qualified worker at the end of the contract. To compare CHC33021 with the streams and electives available, see the CHC33021 course page or the aged care courses hub.
