During the Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care you will develop the skills to start working in Aboriginal health care. This involves assisting in basic health care, screening, promotion and education. It is important that you identify as either Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to go into this course and career because you will need to be able to show (and give evidence) that you identify, are, and are accepted in the community where you live or did live, as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

In some areas the Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care is offered and recommended before starting the Certificate III because it can be difficult to go straight into the Certificate III with no formal knowledge of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health.

Some organisations prefer to employ health workers who have completed the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care so be sure to check the requirements in your area so you know if the Certificate III or IV qualification is best for you.

You might be eligible for funding through the Certificate III Guarantee Program or study this qualification while employed through a traineeship with User Choice Program funding.

Visit www.skillsgateway.training.qld.gov.au and talk to your teachers, VET coordinator, guidance officer and career advisor for more information on what’s available at your school because you might be able to complete this qualification during Years 11 and 12.

Year 12 graduate Queenslanders commencing an apprenticeship, traineeship or training in the field with an approved training provider may be eligible for free studies under the Queensland Government’s ‘free tafe’ scheme. Click here to learn more.