Community Development workers contribute to the development of communities through social change processes. The work may occur within and across social, environment, economic, arts and culture, and recreation sectors.
This work may take place in domestic and international contexts. For instance, Aboriginal Project Officers (Development Assistance) are engaged by a charitable organisation to provide services for Australian-based projects aimed at alleviating disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
They may coordinate field-based projects, manage the budget, or participate in the design, development, and implementation or monitoring of community development plans.
Employment for this occupation rose slightly in the past five years and rose strongly in the long-term (ten years). Employment for Community Development to November 2018 is expected to grow moderately.
Delivery Method
The Certificate IV in Community Development is delivered through a blended delivery method. You will be provided with a ‘Learner Resource’ and ‘Assessment Booklet’ for each unit of competency. In addition you will be provided with access to our online assessment platform where you will complete all theoretical assessments. It is anticipated that you will undertake a work placement. This will provide you with the necessary practical skills and workplace experience.
Assessment Methods
Health Industry Training uses a range of assessment methods to ensure sufficient evidence can be gathered to demonstrate you can perform the tasks against the specified criteria. Assessment methods can include:
- Short answer questions
- Projects
- Case studies
- Scenarios
- Reports
- Workplace portfolios
- Research reports
- Presentations
Recognition of Prior Learning
Many of our students already have a high level of skills, knowledge and expertise that can be recognised through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
RPL takes into account any previous formal study, work and life experience and then assesses this against the elements of competency to determine if you can receive credit toward a qualification. Students seeking recognition can apply for RPL on enrolment into a qualification or throughout the duration of their study.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed a unit of competency within your intended qualification with another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) you may be able to apply for a credit transfer or exemption. A copy of the original transcript must be provided when applying for a credit transfer.
Entry Requirements
To enrol in the Certificate IV in Community Development it is anticipated that you will have completed year 10 or equivalent.
In addition students will need to provide Health Industry Training with their Unique Student Identifier number.
IT Requirements
To complete the course you will need access to a computer and the Internet. For us to provide you with access to the online assessment system you must provide Health Industry Training with an email address. Please provide this address on the enrolment form in the relevant space provided.
In addition you will need basic computer skills to conduct research on your current topics and complete your assessments. In particular, you will need skills in word processing and PowerPoint presentations.
Minimum Age Requirements
The minimum age for this course is 16 years old. If you are under 18 years of age your enrolment form must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Literacy, Language, Numeracy (LLN) Requirements
Students must have an adequate level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills (LLN). Entry into the course requires English proficiency to Year 10 level or equivalent. Students are able to test their LLN skills by completing an appropriate level LLN test by emailing info@healthindustrytraining.org. For additional information and support contact the Reading Writing Hotline at www.readingwritinghotline.edu.au
Fee-paying
To assist students who are not eligible for funding, Health Industry Training offers financial assistance to students by allowing students to either:
- pay the cost of the course in full and receive a 10% discount on the full cost of the course; or
- take advantage of our affordable payment plan options (weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments) (see enrolment form for additional information)
Throughout your course with Health Industry Training, you will be provided with a range of support services depending on your individual needs.
One-on-one trainer support: You will be provided with a trainer that has extensive experience and expertise in the course content and the industry sector. Our professional trainers are there to ensure you have a successful learning journey where you can contact them via phone or email.
In addition to your trainer, the administration team can provide you with support including your enrolment, changes to contact details or study plan, assisting with accessing your online assessment system, progress report and any issues you may encounter throughout your course.
Peer support
Health Industry Training appreciates that distance/online learning can be an isolated experience for some students. To assist with isolation all students have the option to be part of a Facebook peer support group. Peer support groups can be a positive experience where you can study with like-minded people, ask questions relating to your course and build friendships.
Financial support
The Certificate IV in Community Development is Austudy / Abstudy approved. Please contact your local Centrelink office for eligibility requirements and application.
On enrolment into the units you will be provided with learner guides, reference material and online access.
15 units are required for award of this qualification including:
- 8 core units
- 7 elective units
View the course outline, including the recommendation for the order in which you should complete your units, by clicking on the ‘Download Course Outline’ button on the bottom left hand side of this page.