Certificate I in Developing Independence

Overview

Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.

Introduction

The Certificate I in Developing Independence supports the Education First Youth (EFY) Foyer program, designed to help young people who are homeless or in housing needing to stabilise their lives and achieve the transition to independence.

The course outcomes allow participants to:

• Build the skills, sense of self-worth and personal vision needed to sustain participation in community youth support programs.
• Develop personal goals, attain basic employment-related skills and achieve the fundamental competencies required for participation in learning environments, social groups, teams, work groups and community life.
• Develop the confidence and capabilities required to successfully reengage with education, training and employment.

The Certificate I in Developing Independence is a key component and driver of the EFY Foyer Model. The course fills a significant gap in the current education and training system by providing a formal and supportive environment for young people to develop core life management skills such as goal setting, planning and dealing with conflict, as well as recognising and validating their own existing skills, talents and aspirations.

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

This course will help students develop the confidence and capacity to set goals, and gain skills and knowledge to pursue work, further education, and community involvement.

Further study

After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:

• Senior secondary certificates such as VPC & VCE-VM.
  
• Entry-level vocational education and training qualifications, including traineeships and apprenticeships.
• Adult and community education programs.

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Attendance & commitment

Shepparton Education First Youth Foyer/Out of Home Care students face-to-face delivery | 6 months course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Attend weekly classes (varied days & times offered).
• Utilise weekly support sessions as required.
• Commit to all course requirements, including study and assessments the student may need to complete including completion of assessments, self directed research and learning activities, such as:
  • Self-study to revise areas of knowledge and/or explore pathways supported by the Youth Development worker.
  • Employment and/or work experience.
  • Engagement in Foyer activities.
  • An agreed alternative activity to practise and consolidate skills and knowledge.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

• Portfolios
• Written tasks
• Verbal questions
• Written scenarios

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

This course required a total of 6 units: 6 core and 0 elective.

Before you begin

Entry requirements

Mandated entry requirements

• There are no entry requirements for the 22615VIC Certificate I in Developing Independence. While this course has been developed to specifically address the learning needs of young people 14 – 25 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, there are no limitations to entry based on age, gender, physical ability, social or educational background.
• It is desirable for entrants to have the reading, writing, oral communication, and numeracy skills equivalent to Australian Core Skills Framework Pre-Level 1, and as a general guide:
  • Possess reading and writing skills to complete name and address details accurately on an enrolment form. This can include copying of information from one source to another.
  • Be able to recognise personally relevant signs and symbols in familiar environment, e.g., exit sign, stop sign.
• Learners with language, literacy and numeracy skills at lower levels than those above may require additional support to successfully undertake the course.

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into the course applicants must:

• Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy and numeracy levels for the course are met.
• Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.

Student resources

• General stationery (pens, pencils, rulers).

Enrolment

Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:

• Aspirations/career goals
• Educational attainment and capability
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

• Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.

Fees and payments

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Student support

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.

Learn more about our learning support services

Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton

Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you

Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors

Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Koorie Unit

The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.

Learn how the Koorie Unit can support your studies

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.