Australia is facing a “crisis in the caring workforce”[i] according to a recent report issued by the Parliament of Australia.

Recent TAFE NSW research concurs, finding that ‘Aged or Disabled Carer’ is the largest growing increase in employment by occupation in Northern NSW. By 2021, the need for skilled employees in the area will grow by 6.5% or a total of 11,195 people.

TAFE NSW is working to address this skills shortage by introducing a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) for the first time to the Wauchope community.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Community Services, Katrina Cameron, said the 28-week, full-time course has been designed by industry professionals and is perfect for those who would like to, or who are already working with, people who have a disability.

“The Port Macquarie Hospital expansion provides increased capacity that will see a greater range of services and improved facilities for patients. This project provides more services for the Mid North Coast, which is one of the fastest growing regions in NSW and has a large ageing population,” Ms Cameron said.

Career outcomes of the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) include Health Support Worker, Respite Care Worker and Accommodation Support Worker.

Disability Service provider, Aruma (formerly House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation), has welcomed TAFE NSW Wauchope’s focus.

“We support people throughout the entire east coast of Australia, including Port Macquarie,” said Rob Watkins, Aruma’s Executive Director of Support Services.

“The disability services sector is growing rapidly, and Aruma is committed to a highly skilled permanent workforce. We support any initiative that enhances the skills of the disability sector workers.”

“Students are able to get the job-ready skills they need at TAFE NSW by accessing a mixture of face-to-face and online study options, making it easier to maintain a work/life balance of studying when and where it suits them,” Ms Cameron said

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au