Click here to see the Units of Competency for this course.

There are no mandatory entry requirements listed in the training package.

International students must:

• Be at least 18 years of age,
• Provide evidence of completing at least the equivalent of Australian Year 12,
• Successfully complete the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) online test as per ALG’s Language, Literacy and Numeracy Requirements Factsheet,
• Meet English Language Entry Requirements as per ALG’s English Proficiency Requirements Factsheet

A prospective student does not need to provide evidence of an English test score with their application if one of the following applies:

• Prospective student is a citizen and holds a passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Republic of Ireland.
• Prospective student has completed at least 5 years’ study in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland.
• Completed at least 6 months of a Certificate IV level course in an Australian RTO.

Please also note that if you are applying for more than one course with us, you will only need to complete the LLN online test once. Students returning to studies at ALG after a significant gap may be required to complete the LLN online test at the discretion of ALG.

The course is delivered over 78 weeks (60 weeks delivery plus 18 weeks in term breaks).

This full-time training program of 1,800 hours is delivered as follows:

60 weeks delivery (6 x 10-week terms) comprising:
– 20 contact hours – 14 hours face to face classes and 6 hours distance learning per week during term time
– 10 hours self-directed learning activities per week each term
– 18 weeks in term breaks.

The units of competency in the qualification have been organised into a program of study clustered into modules as specified above.

Each module is delivered over a term (10 weeks).

The program of study has both a theory/classroom component and a practical component.

Classroom Component

The first five modules listed above are delivered in a structured face to face classroom format.

Practical Component

Students will complete the Clinical Practice module in a simulated counselling clinic.
Satisfactory completion of this module including a logbook is an essential part of the requirements for successful completion of this course. This component aims to support students to be effective therapeutic workers and is designed to
provide the student with the opportunity, and the means, to:

• synthesise relevant theory and skills learnt in the classroom and apply them to the professional practice of counselling;
• practice assessable skills in a simulated clinic to receive trainer’s feedback while still being supported in their skill
  development;
• demonstrate performance evidence requirements in a simulated environment;
• address all other evidence requirements (as detailed in the Clinical Practice Logbook);
• access to a simulated environment to ensure that assessment conditions reflect those that are present in an actual workplace.

Assessment Methods

Written Knowledge Assessments
Case Studies
Presentations
Role Plays and Practical Demonstrations – Simulated Workplace Situation
Projects
Logbook

Structured Study

Students are required to undertake supervised study for 6 hours per week during each term and are provided with a plan (based on a 10- week period) that outlines the various learning activities to be undertaken to prepare them to undertake their summative assessment requirements. The plan requires students to spend an average of 3 hours per week on these activities and 3 hours completing their assessments. The completion of the Supervised Study Plan is monitored in class.
The completion of the Supervised Learning Plan is monitored in class and the activities completed may be utilised in classroom sessions as the basis for group discussion and to engage in critical discourse based on student activity responses.

Self directed learning activities

Students are provided with a Self-Directed Learning Plan for each module that guides them through the self-study time with suggested reading and formative activities. Students are also encouraged to reflect on their learning by completing a reflective learning journal to document what they have learned, what activities were useful and what they would like to learn more about.

Student Support

ALG provides a variety of support services to students:

LLN Support
Based on the results of the LLN Robot test, ALG will:

• enrol the student in an appropriate course based on the student’s language literacy and numeracy levels;
• offer appropriate support in their selected course including completing recommended strategies from LLN Robot and attending additional learning support classes during term;
• provide customised learning activities to increase the relevant LLN areas through use of a range of strategies e.g. use
  tasks with embedded LLN skills, creating extension tasks and scaffolding interaction;
• schedule professional development of trainers and assessors on implementing support strategies and the design of learning activities that will facilitate the ongoing development of students’ LLN levels;
• ensure that students LLN capabilities are monitored during the program duration. Trainers and assessors and the learning support tutor will review each student’s LLN ability and their progress with the training and assessment tasks.

LLN Support Classes

ALG will offer LLN classes to assist students with their literacy and communication skills. These classes will run for 1.5 hours a week for 9 weeks each term.

Learning Support Classes

Learning Support classes will be scheduled on week 5 and week 9 of each term (prior to assessments due dates) to support students experiencing difficulties with their studies or assessment tasks. Additional classes may be offered subject to feedback/requests from trainers or students.

Counselling Support

ALG provides a free counselling service on campus. Students can drop in or make an appointment to see a professional counsellor for support with their studies or personal issues. Students book online via alg.edu.au/counsellingservice;

Student Advisors/State Lead Trainers/Trainers/National Course Coordinator

Other support comes from Student Advisors, State Lead Trainers, the allocated trainer/assessor and the National Course Coordinator.

Students facing any difficulties which may affect their learning can approach the relevant Student Advisor or trainer for advice. Such advice might include a referral to further student support services.

Student Advisors offer support throughout a student’s studies and can help with the following information:
o Support services
o LLN services
o Legal services
o Emergency and health services
o Facilities and resources
o Complaints and appeals processes
o Deferments

All students are required to bring their own laptop or tablet device to participate in all theory classes. They are not provided for students. Refer to BYOD Policy in the student handbook.

Click here to download the Timetable for this course