A partnership between TAFE NSW Gosford and a Central Coast disability care provider has jumpstarted the careers of 18 new support workers, and will be offered again this year.
Trilogy Disability Services provided students a six-week paid employment and study program, which has resulted in traineeships and further study. The 18 trainees will complete a Certificate III in Allied Health with TAFE NSW in 2022 as they continue their careers at Trilogy.
The NDIS National Workforce Plan estimates the disability support sector will require an additional 83,000 workers by 2024. This growth is driven by a rapid expansion in the number of NDIS participants and more older Australians and veterans requiring care and support.
The success of the 2021 paid employment and study program means applications are now open for 2022. Trilogy’s Training & Education Coordinator Petrina Heinze said the program helps connect job seekers with a rewarding career where they can make a difference in people’s lives.
“The collaboration between Trilogy and TAFE NSW means students completed a paid work placement while they studied an Introduction to Disability Work,” Ms Heinze said.
“TAFE NSW teachers really made the training practical for Trilogy and our workers, and that helps provide a career path with all 18 now starting their traineeships and qualifications.”
“With TAFE NSW we’re delivering a pipeline of workers to meet that increasing demand for skilled disability support workers on the Central Coast.”
Gosford’s Kiara Hill completed the paid employment and study program and will study the Certificate III in Allied Health with TAFE NSW Gosford this year while completing her traineeship.
“I encourage anyone interested in a career in disability support work to take the opportunity and give it a go,” said Ms Hill.
“I’ve found a real passion for disability support work through the program with TAFE NSW and Trilogy. Being paid while learning has set me up with practical skills to achieve my goals and start my disability support career.”
Applications for the 2022 Trilogy Introduction to Disability Work employment program are now open, and students can call (02) 4314 1601 or email info@trilogydisabilityservices.com.au for more information.
To learn more about other courses leading to careers in the healthcare sector, visit tafe.nsw.edu or call 13 16 01.
Media contact: Amy Johnson, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, amy.johnson87@tafensw.edu.au