10 September 2021 

A collaboration between TAFE NSW and a Central Coast disability care provider will provide 20 jobseekers with an opportunity to start a career in one of the nation’s fastest growing sectors, disability support.  

The NDIS National Workforce Plan estimates the sector will require an additional 83,000 workers by 2024. This growth is being driven by a rapid expansion in the number of NDIS participants and more older Australians and veterans requiring care and support.  

TAFE NSW and Trilogy Disability Services are inviting expressions of interest for an initial six-week paid employment and study program which will lead to ongoing traineeships at Trilogy and a qualification in a Certificate III in Allied Health.  

Trilogy’s Training & Education Coordinator Petrina Heinze said the employment program will help connect jobseekers with a rewarding career where they can make a difference in people’s lives.  

“The collaboration between Trilogy and TAFE NSW means students will complete a paid work placement while they study an Introduction to Disability Work,” Ms Heinze said.  

“This will be followed by a longer-term traineeship and a formal qualification in a Certificate III in Allied Health.”  

Trilogy Disability Services assists participants requiring a broad range of support, including complex medical conditions, behaviour, trauma and mental health support. 

The trainees will be working with people in a range of capacities, ranging from personal and domestic care to leading out in recreational activities or taking clients to medical appointments. 

“As well as providing immediate assistance, disability support work helps our clients lead as independent lives as possible in supported accommodation,” Ms Heinze said.  

Chittaway Bay’s Jason Mortimer and Hamlyn Terrace’s Chavaan “Chevy” Hine are now team leaders at Trilogy after starting traineeships two years ago. Both have now completed a Certificate III in Individual Support and will soon graduate with a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance.  

A former print machinist, Jason, 51, was drawn to disability support work after helping care for his ageing grandparents.  

“I love my work - before I began this job, I didn’t believe that was possible,” Jason said.  

Chevy, 28, finds her work inspiring as she helps clients achieve new skills and levels of independence. 

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to give it a go,” she said. 

“If you go into it with an open mind and are willing to learn, you will really enjoy the work.”  

Applications for the Trilogy Introduction to Disability Work employment program close on 17 September. For more information, contact Richelle Saunders on 4348 2237.  

To learn more about other courses leading to careers in the healthcare sector, visit www.tafe.nsw.edu or call 13 16 01. 

Media contact: Jenny Tinworth, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mobile 0411 443 555.