Community Services is a diverse and rewarding sector focused on supporting individuals, families and communities to improve their wellbeing and access the services they need.

This program provides an introduction to the community services industry and develops the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to support people in a range of settings.

It also provides a pathway to further study, which may lead to employment in entry-level community services roles. In these roles, workers provide a first point of contact, support individuals to identify their immediate needs, and connect them with appropriate services and supports. At this level, work takes place under direct, regular supervision within clearly defined guidelines.

Intergenerational Volunteering Program

As part of the course, students participate in an intergenerational volunteering program during Term 3.

Working alongside older adults in a residential aged care community, students apply the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the course in a real-world setting.

Through meaningful interactions and planned activities, students build communication, teamwork and professional skills while gaining valuable insight into the community services sector.

This program supports the practical requirements of the qualification and provides students with authentic industry experience in a supportive environment.

Wantirna campus

  • Wednesday 1.00pm–4.30pm OR 8.30am–12.00pm  (subject to demand)
  • One year part time
  • Classroom, and workplace simulation
  • A small amount of field work and possible off-campus activities
  • Materials fee: $250
  • Required Equipment: Laptop 

Units of competency

Unit code Unit name Nominal hours Compulsory/Elective
CHCCOM001 Provide first point of contact 35 Compulsory
CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services 30 Compulsory
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people 40 Compulsory
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety 20 Compulsory
BSBWOR202 Organise and complete daily work activities 20 Compulsory
BSBWOR201 Manage personal stress in the workplace 40 Elective
FSKLRG09 Use strategies to respond to routine workplace problems 15 Elective
FSKOCM07 Interact effectively with others at work 10 Elective
CHCVOL001* Be an effective volunteer 25 Elective
  Total nominal hours 235  


*volunteer work required

Outcomes

On successful completion of this program, students will:

VCE: refer to the VCAA VCE Community Services Program Booklet for information about VCE VET unit credits.

VCE VM: meets the requirement for the Industry Specific Skills strand and may also contribute to the Work-Related Skills Strand of VCE VM

Qualification: Be eligible for the award of CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services.

Career opportunities: Aged care attendant, Disability Support Worker, Social worker, Welfare worker, Youth worker

This course is designed to provide a foundation for further study in the community services sector. Students will develop introductory knowledge and practical skills that prepare them to progress into qualifications such as our Certificate IV in Community Services, Mental Health, Youth Work or related fields.

The course also provides valuable employability skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and professional practice, which are transferable across a wide range of industries.

How to apply for VET Delivered to Secondary Students

Essentially, we’re in partnership with you and your school. You speak to your school and they coordinate your application with Swinburne. Seek out your school’s VET or careers coordinator for course recommendations and discuss your options. Then, when you’ve decided on a VDSS course that fits, your school will forward your application directly to us.

To be eligible for consideration for a VDSS program you must be currently enrolled in Year 10, 11 or 12.

You’ll receive notification from your school about the outcome of your application. Successful? More information about enrolment will follow.

If there is greater demand than course places available, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. So, take note of our key application dates to allow time for your school-endorsed application to get to us.

Please refer to Swinburne's policies and regulations for student rights and responsibilities while on campus.

Course costs

The costs associated with Swinburne VDSS programs is invoiced directly to schools. For more information on course costs, it’s best to contact your school’s VET or careers coordinator.

2027 key dates

Applications
First round applications open Monday 17 August 2026
First round applications close

Friday 11 September 2026
Schools notified Monday 5 October 2026
Late applications open Monday 12 October 2026
Late applications close Friday 6 November 2026


Note: These dates are indicative only.

Enrolment and Orientation

Orientation for courses at Wantirna campus and Croydon campus is scheduled for Wednesday 25 November 2026.

When you’ve completed your enrolment and we’ve seen you on campus for orientation, you’ll attend Swinburne one day per week for training while continuing at your secondary school.

Courses commence Wednesday 3 February 2027.

Explore other VET courses Delivered to Secondary Students

Contact the VET Delivered to Secondary Students team

Have questions? If you would like more information about Swinburne's Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students, please email VETDSS@swinburne.edu.au

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