26 August 2024

TAFE NSW has helped a West Wyalong woman who emigrated from the Philippines just three years ago launch her career in the booming disability sector.

Ivy Garrote, 29, struggled to find work or a support network when first arriving in the town with her husband in 2022 but last year, took the plunge and enrolled in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) at TAFE NSW West Wyalong.

She was part of the first cohort to enrol in the new course, which arms graduates with the practical skills and work experience to be employed in either of the in-demand industries.

Fuelled by the NDIS, the disability sector is awash with jobs, according to the Federal Government’s NDIS Review, which found about 128,000 additional workers would be needed in the industry by mid-2025.

Just weeks after graduating, Ms Garotte was employed by Riverina-Murray disability provider Kurrajong as a support worker.

Her role includes providing care, emotional support, physical assistance and supervision for her disabled or elderly clients.

“It was difficult at first because in the Philippines, we care for older relatives in the home and this was the first time I saw an aged care home,” Ms Garotte said.

“But it’s very satisfying to be able to help older and disabled people enjoy a better life.

She said being able to study her TAFE NSW course virtually, with occasional face-to-face skills workshops, was an ideal fit for her lifestyle.

“Our teacher was so experienced and helped us understand everything, and the workshops were almost exactly like what you would do on the job,” Ms Garrote said.

“I found the online role plays really helpful.

“Being required to do work placement before graduating was also really important and it’s how I got my job.”

According to website Economy ID, the healthcare and social assistance industry is the largest employer in the Riverina-Murray, employing more than 12,400 people.

TAFE NSW disability teacher Jillian Thorne urged locals to consider a career in disability, saying a growing skills gap in the industry meant jobs were plentiful.

“The majority of our students secure work before graduating,” Ms Thorne said.

“It’s very rewarding work to be able to empower clients to live as independently as possible.”

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 0477 722 428