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Certificate I in Developing Independence

Empowering young people to identify goals, build skills and create plans for a thriving future

The Certificate I in Developing Independence is a nationally accredited, foundation-level qualification designed to support young people to take confident steps towards an independent and fulfilling life.

This course focuses on developing essential life skills, personal capability, and future planning skills — helping young people shape their goals, aspirations, and sense of purpose.

Delivered through 11 practical life skills modules, the Certificate I supports students to build, experience and reflect on core skills that prepare them for life, learning and work.

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Course Overview

Developed by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) and formally accredited through the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), the Certificate I in Developing Independence provides a supportive and flexible learning pathway for young people who are ready to contemplate their future goals that support their transition to independence.

The course offers a structured yet personalised approach that enables educators, youth workers, and young people to work together to build foundational life management skills, strengthen confidence, and create a clear personal vision and plan for the future.

Students will learn about and develop plans for independent living skills, including:

  • Building my self esteem
  • Maintaining my living space
  • Building a healthy lifestyle
  • Knowing my legal rights
  • Dealing with conflict and stress
  • Acquiring personal belongings
  • Dealing with change
  • Accessing future housing
  • Personal presentation
  • Personal safety
  • Establishing stable relationships

Why Choose the Certificate I in Developing Independence?

The Certificate I in Developing Independence offers a fantastic opportunity for students to contemplate their transition toward adulthood and independence:

  • A personalised and flexible learning journey, tailored to each young person’s individual education, employment, and life goals;
  • A supportive re-entry into education, ideal for young people who have experienced interruptions to their schooling or have faced systemic barriers;
  • Opportunities to build confidence, self-worth, and resilience, while developing strategies to navigate challenges around their housing, employment, and wellbeing;
  • A clear pathway into further education and training, including VET courses, apprenticeships, tertiary study and employment preparation.

Delivery Model

  • 180 nominal hours
  • Usually completed over three to six months
  • Flexible and interactive delivery, usually one or two sessions per week
  • Can be undertaken alongside other accredited courses or embedded into existing programs

The Certificate I is usually co-delivered by an education provider (such as a TAFE or RTO) and a Community Service Provider, combining educational expertise with practical, wrap-around youth support to maximise engagement and outcomes.

The Learning Plan

At the heart of the course is the Learning Plan, a student-centred resource that guides students to reflect on strengths, skill development, and progress toward personal goals.

Students will create a personal vision across six key life domains:

  • Education
  • Employment
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Social Connections
  • Housing and Living Skills
  • Civic Participation

This practical and reflective approach helps young people take ownership of their learning and future planning.

Example Units of Competency

Students will complete units such as:

  • Identifying a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Plan
  • Creating a Personal Vision
  • Planning for Education and Employment
  • Dealing with Conflict and Stress
  • Building Social Competence
  • Developing Healthy Lifestyles and Positive Relationships

Impact of Certificate I in Developing Independence

Already, thousands of young people have graduated from the Certificate I in Developing Independence. Now delivered in more than 20 youth and community settings across Australia, the program supports diverse cohorts to build the skills and confidence they need for their future.

Partner With Us

The Brotherhood of St Laurence provides support to TAFEs, RTOs, and Community Service Providers interested in delivering the Certificate I in Developing Independence.

BSL will meet with you to discuss how the course can be added to your program and offering, and provide information about licensing, documentation support, training, and ongoing practice development.

For more information, contact the Practice Team at BSL:
Youth.Practice@bsl.org.au

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