Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set

Develop specialised skills to support people experiencing alcohol and other drug-related issues.

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Skill Set provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to work effectively with individuals affected by substance use. Designed for people with existing qualifications or experience in community services, health, allied health, counselling, youth work, mental health or related fields, this skill set builds specialised capability to support positive client outcomes.

You will develop skills in assessment, intervention, treatment planning and evidence-informed practice, while strengthening your understanding of the complexities of alcohol and other drug use. The training focuses on practical approaches that can be applied across a range of service settings and client groups.

The skill set comprises the four core AOD competency units recognised under Victoria's Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Minimum Qualification Strategy, making it an ideal professional development opportunity for workers seeking to build their expertise or transition into the AOD sector.

Completion of this nationally recognised skill set can enhance employment opportunities across alcohol and other drug services, community services, mental health, youth work and related support sectors.

This course is currently fee-free for eligible students.

By completing the Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set, you’ll gain the practical knowledge and skills to provide effective support to clients experiencing alcohol and other drug-related issues. You’ll learn to:

• Recognise and respond to the signs of alcohol and other drug misuse
• Provide safe and ethical support tailored to individual client needs
• Apply harm-minimisation strategies and referral processes
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and service providers
• Work within legal, ethical, and organisational frameworks

This skill set builds your confidence to support clients in a range of community service settings and strengthens your ability to make a positive impact in the AOD sector.

Classes are delivered online via a virtual classroom:

• Monday: 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm
• Thursday: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (fortnightly support workshop, optional)

The units in this course provide credit towards a range of qualifications in Community Services, including the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

You must be aged 18 or over to be able to enrol in this course

Core Units

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.

Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements.  Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :

1. Tuition fees - charged as an hourly rate that varies from course to course. A large portion of the tuition is subsidised by the Victorian Government for eligible students.
2. Resource and/or materials costs - covers the cost of materials and other incidentals. This fee will vary according to the course being undertaken.
3. Booklist items - such as textbooks, equipment and stationery recommended for your course

Tuition fees

There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances). 

1. Government Subsidised Fee - you could be eligible for a government-subsidised rate under the Skills First funding depending on your age, educational history, and citizenship or residency status. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
   Find out more about subsidised training
   
   
2. Government Subsidised Concession Fee - If you are eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place and hold a current healthcare or pension card, that you can provide at enrolment, you may be eligible for the concession rate. Note, the concession rate is not applicable to Diploma level courses.
   Find out more about concession rates
   
   
3. If the course is a Free TAFE course or part of the Free TAFE Pathways Program - Eligible students will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). Any resource or material costs, or booklist items for this course are listed in the table below.
   Find out more about Free TAFE
   Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Programs
   
   
4. Full fee - If you are not eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place, exemption, concession or are enrolling in a course that isn't government-subsidised, you may be required to pay the full fee rate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

An annual student services fee contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services.

This fee is non-refundable upon commencement of your course. Some students may be exempt from the student service fee. Your fee will be confirmed based on your circumstances when you enrol.

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS

2. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)

3. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.

1. Apply – Submit your online application form.
2. LLN Assessment – Complete an LLN assessment if required.
3. Chat to our team – Discuss your course and study plan with a teacher or specialist.
4. Enrol – Accept your offer and confirm your details.
5. Pay – Receive your invoice and arrange payment.

Need help? Contact us or visit your nearest campus.

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.