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11212NAT

Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Get a head start on your teaching career with this entry-level qualification designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY Online TAFE at School
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 10 Feb 2025 Duration: up to 2 years View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$180
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$720
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$5,010
TAFE at School Subsidised Fee

A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more

$0
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Get a head start on your teaching career with this entry-level qualification. This course is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is offered to both high school students and adult learners.

This course will teach you essential skills in education support including contributing to the planning of educational programs, respectfully engaging with young people and guiding responsible behaviour in a safe and supportive environment. You'll also learn how to use educational strategies to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education such as developing resources to support First Nations students, producing work that expresses Indigenous identity, and supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children with reading development.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to seek work as a qualified teaching assistant. You will also be able to take advantage of our pathway options and apply to progress into a Bachelor of Education at James Cook University.

What can I do?

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker
  • Teacher Assistant
  • Teacher Aide

Course outcome:

11212NAT Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Community-based education

This course is offered through RATEP — a community-based teacher education program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program provides a direct pathway for people in remote, rural and regional areas to become qualified teachers or teacher assistants. Students may study at one of several RATEP sites throughout the state or via an offsite delivery model. Learn more>

Indigenous student support

Our Indigenous Student Support Officers (ISSOs) provide tailored support designed to meet the unique needs of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. ISSOs can provide assistance with enrolment processes, Centrelink ABSTUDY enquiries, tutor support, referrals to other community service providers, and personal support.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all units listed below. You will also be required to undertake 100 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCEDS034
    Contribute to the planning and implementation of educational programs
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCEDS034
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist teachers in the planning and delivery of education programs.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to the planning and implementation of educational programs

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCEDS035
    Contribute to student education in all developmental domains
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCEDS035
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development of students with a focus on the inclusion of all students.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to student education in all developmental domains

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCEDS037
    Support the development of numeracy skills
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCEDS037
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement numeracy programs as identified by the teacher to assist students requiring numeracy support.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support the development of numeracy skills

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCEDS039
    Work effectively as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education worker
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCEDS039
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education support worker to manage their work performance in a school.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work effectively as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education worker

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCEDS041
    Set up and sustain learning areas
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCEDS041
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create, maintain and monitor individual and/or small group learning environments. This may include a learning activity area in a classroom, library or home-based learning environment, or a virtual learning environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Set up and sustain learning areas

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCEDS050
    Support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCEDS050
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support, contribute to and coordinate education opportunities for students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander education

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCEDS059
    Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCEDS059
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement work health and safety policies and procedures to support the health, safety and wellbeing of students in an educational environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCEDS060
    Work effectively with students and colleagues
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCEDS060
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to generate positive, respectful and effective interactions with students and colleagues.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work effectively with students and colleagues

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCYTH013
    Engage respectfully with young people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCYTH013
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with children and young people in work roles with a specific focus on young people.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Engage respectfully with young people

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAATS111
    Develop understanding of own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAATS111
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop understanding of the cultural and intellectual properties of one's own cultural identity.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Develop understanding of own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAATS312
    Produce work that expresses own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAATS312
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to express own cultural identity through artistic practice.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Produce work that expresses own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity

  • UNIT CODE
  • NAT11212001
    Support the reading development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
    UNIT CODE :
    NAT11212001
    Unit description :
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support the reading development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

  • Your course is primarily online and you may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. You will also need to come in to campus to complete some practical learning and assessment. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online with on campus practical training (RATEP sites)
10 Feb 2025
up to 2 years
Part time
  • Concession: $180

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $720

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,010

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online with on campus practical training (RATEP sites)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

10 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 2 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $180

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $720

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,010

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Online with on campus practical training (RATEP sites)
10 Feb 2025
1 year
Full time
  • Concession: $180

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $720

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,010

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online with on campus practical training (RATEP sites)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

10 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $180

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $720

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,010

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
  • Your course is primarily online and you may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. You will also need to come in to campus to complete some practical learning and assessment. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
RATEP sites
Online with on campus practical training
10 Feb 2025
8 terms
Part time 2 days per week
  • TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0

    A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more

demo

RATEP sites

Online with on campus practical training

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

10 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

8 terms
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 2 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education (11212NAT)

Ask a question

Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

COURSE CODE: 11212NAT
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Student applicants entering or currently in year 11 are acceptable as Certificate III students.

Adult applicants with no previous classroom work experience are acceptable as Certificate III students.

Whilst this course has no specific entry requirements, the unit CUAATS111 - Develop understanding of own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Identity requires interpretation of one's own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island cultural identity in order to complete the unit of competency. Due to this unit being a core unit, enrolment into this course is limited to those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Off-site students must have access to a computer and internet connection during study hours.

Placement

During your course you will be required to complete 100 hours of vocational placement at an approved Primary School in one of the RATEP locations listed below so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. 

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. 

Off-site students must do 100 hours of vocational placement at a Queensland Education Department school.

Important information

This course is offered through RATEP. RATEP is a community-based teacher education program that provides a direct pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote, rural and regional locations to become registered teachers or qualified teacher aides. The RATEP program is a partnership between TAFE Queensland North Region, Queensland Education Department and James Cook University. Currently there are several RATEP sites throughout the state, providing teacher training at the Certificate III and Diploma levels.

RATEP locations are as follows:

  1. Barambah (Cherbourg)
  2. Cairns
  3. Mackay
  4. Bamaga
  5. Rockhampton
  6. St George
  7. Toowoomba
  8. Townsville
  9. Yarrabah
  10. Thursday Island

RATEP is also available to students who do not have access to a RATEP site via the off-site model.
Offsite students must ensure that they have access to a computer and internet and that they are willing to complete the vocational placement requirements in a Queensland Education Department school.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more