Education

There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 18 years old.

English

This course involves reading learning content and undertaking a range of written assessments and engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 12 level.

If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 12 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

• Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
• 3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided to by Open Colleges.

Computing

You will need access to a computer and the internet and have basic computing skills. Minimum specifications for your computer are:

All users:

• Microsoft Office 2010 or equivalent
• Broadband internet connection
• 2GB of RAM
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Adobe Reader XI or equivalent
• Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
• Access to printer and associated software
• Access to scanner and associated software
• Digital imaging software
• File compression software

Windows users:

• Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 8 recommended)
• 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)

Mac OS users:

• Mac OSX v10.5 or higher (Mac OSX v10.6 recommended)
• 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)

Skills

To successfully complete this course, you will require basic computing skills. This includes:

• Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents.
• Accessing and searching the internet.
• Downloading and saving documents from websites.
• Uploading documents through websites.
• Participating in online discussions.
• Compressing image files.
• Connecting digital cameras and downloading and storing images.

Physical requirements

Students will need to be reasonably physically fit to undertake the work placement as the tasks and activities associated with the work placement may involve manual lifting and other physical activities.

Additional

First Aid

The unit HLTAID003 Apply first aid (or its equivalent) is not delivered by Open Colleges. This unit can be satisfied via the completion of the nationally recognised unit of competency or its equivalent offered by an approved provider. You will need to provide a certified copy of a current certificate or Statement of Attainment to be provided credit for this unit. You will need to pay a fee directly to the provider and may be required to travel in order to undertake this unit with the provider of your choice. Whilst it is not a requirement to hold a current first aid certificate to undertake work placement in this industry, workplaces have the right to request this.

Mental health skills

During work placement you will be responsible for providing support and services to individuals and families experiencing mental health issues. This may include confidential individual, family or group counselling, supporting families dealing with mental health issues, working with clients who have complex needs and working with children and young people experiencing abuse. It is important that you are able to work cooperatively in a team, act with cultural sensitivity, be accepting of diversity and be non-judgemental. Some of the learning materials are sensitive in nature and warnings are provided along with potential services that can assist with self-care and managing any personal issues that the learning may raise.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.