We’re undertaking a review of the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance qualification to align it with contemporary practises, the latest technology, increased emphasis on patient centred care and preparedness for disease outbreaks.

The review provides an opportunity to ensure training products serve the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry and ongoing efforts to improve patient care and safety and adapt to evolving healthcare challenges.

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September to December 2024

The HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance qualification was last reviewed in 2015. Since then, there have been numerous changes in the technology and contemporary health practices undertaken in the health care and social assistance sector.

This sector is sensitive to policy settings and regulatory frameworks. Recent policy developments have focused on:

  • migration
  • gender pay gaps
  • support for establishing clear employment pathways.

More flexible training products are required to respond to common skill requirements across occupations and areas requiring specific expertise.

The qualification review and upgrade are needed due to:

  • increasing technology integration to streamline processes, improve patient care, and enhance efficiency, including:
    o the use of electronic medical records
    o automated patient monitoring systems
    o robotics for tasks like transporting patients or delivering supplies
  • growing emphasis on patient-centred care, which prioritises the patients' needs and preferences
  • a shift towards delivering care in the home
  • an increasing number of patients from diverse backgrounds requiring cultural competency and sensitivity to ensure effective care
  • increasing complexity of care driven by factors such as chronic diseases, mental health issues, and multiple disabilities requiring a greater need for specialised skills and knowledge 
  • regulatory changes aimed at improving quality and safety which have mandated stricter compliance measures and enhanced training requirements for service providers
  • an increased focus on workplace safety and occupational health including infection control.

The project outcomes will result in a qualification better aligned to industry needs and regulatory requirements with clear and sustainable career pathways to support  growth in the industry.

Project Scope

This project will review one qualification and 25 units of competency that support training for the following occupations:

  • Nurse’s Aide
  • Operating Theatre Technician
  • Orderly
  • Patient support assistant
  • Ward Assistant
  • Ward Clerk

Qualification

Details of the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance qualification and its units of competency can be seen at training.gov.au.

You can provide us with any initial feedback on the current qualification and associated units of competency by emailing details to the Training Product Project Manager or Project Coordinator.

Project governance and consultation strategy

We have established a Technical Committee (TC) of experts to provide advice for the project. TC members are selected for their relevant expertise on the diverse aspects of the project.

View the Terms of Reference and Project Reference Group members.

View our Project Consultation Strategy.

Project fact sheet

Details to come.

Consultation will be via a number of methods:

  • 12 Face-to-face workshops
  • 5 online workshops
  • A minimum of 16 employer interviews
  • All draft training product materials will be available for comment on the HumanAblity website.

Dates and locations of workshops will be advised when confirmed. 

Details to come.
Details to come.

How to get involved

Please register if you would like to receive project updates and consultation opportunities.

Project updates

Contact details

Training Product Project Manager, Evan Cooper

Project Coordinator, Alyssa Warland

To contact the project team, please email [email protected].

Project timeline

  • Project Set Up

    Establish a Technical Committee to provide expert advice for the project.

  • Development

    Functional analysis undertaken via 16 employer interviews and a virtual functional analysis workshop.
    Development of draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency.
  • Consultation

    Delivery of 12 face-to-face and 5 virtual workshops to be held in all states and territories.

  • Finalisation and Submission

    Submit final draft materials to Skills Senior Responsible Officers.

    Address any feedback prior to submission to the Skills Ministers for endorsement.

  • Endorsement and Implementation

    Upload endorsed qualifications, skill sets and units of competency to the VET National Training Register.

    Update the Companion Volume to reflect changes to the Training Package, identified pathways information and mapping information.

    Delivery of 3 virtual professional development workshops to highlight the features of the new qualifications, skill sets and units of competency.