
Support people through mental health challenges and build a rewarding career in peer work. Learn practical skills to help people from different backgrounds, promote wellbeing and improve mental health services.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
provide trauma-informed care
work with a diverse range of people
contribute to the improvement of mental health services
apply lived experiences in mental health work.
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
A nationally accredited Certificate IV qualification.
The ability to provide support to people with diverse needs.
An understanding of how different organisations operate in the industry.
Strong pathways to continue your studies and improve your job options.
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
This course includes a specialised area of training in mental health consumer peer work. You’ll need to be comfortable sharing your lived experiences as part of your learning and future peer work.
Before you enrol, you’ll complete an application. We may also contact you to discuss whether the course is right for you.
You must be employed as a trainee in the industry.
Your Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) must submit your Training Proposal Plan (TPP).
Visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page for more information.
During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
a Working with Children Check (WWCC)
a National Police Check
vaccination and health screening records
an NDIS Worker Screening Check
any other evidence required by your work placement provider.
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
the ability to share your experience of mental illness to foster safe and positive working relationships
access to a computer with internet connection
empathy
a caring nature
strong interpersonal skills
good communication skills
patience.
You can plan your learning, change your plan when needed and keep going until you reach your goal.
You can read longer texts and understand their main ideas.
You can write short sentences and paragraphs that others can understand.
You can do everyday maths like working out prices or reading a timetable.
You can join group talks and share your ideas clearly.
You can use email, search the internet and open files.
This course includes topics and situations that might be upsetting. Think about how you might feel before starting the course or working in this area. If you need help getting ready to study, contact us to talk about your options.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Our graduates go onto roles like: peer mentor, advocacy worker, peer education officer, youth peer worker, family advocate and consumer representative.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (Consumer Peer Work) does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (Consumer Peer Work) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 Units of competency, including 8 core and 7 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs - be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning - an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations - get social with our student community