A group of TAFE NSW Gosford graduates are tapping into the booming disability care sector, helping to return dignity and hope to members of the local disabled community after landing jobs at Coastlink.

Umina Beach local Tanya Bennett studied the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) course at TAFE NSW Gosford and now works as a Disability Support Worker at Coastlink, after completing work placement at the disability and aged care provider.

“Having been out of the workforce for the last 10 years while caring for my two kids, I enrolled in the course to learn new skills and pursue a career in an industry I’ve always been passionate about – and the teachers have really helped me to hit the ground running,” Ms Bennett said.

“It’s been so rewarding to be able to utilise the knowledge I’ve gained from personal experience as a carer for my daughter who has autism, as well as the skills I’ve gained during my course and work placement to help the community as part of the Coastlink team.”

CEO of Coastlink John Davis said the disability and aged care sectors are growing at a fast pace, with the demand for qualified support workers outpacing the supply. 

“TAFE NSW have identified a gap in the market and have been instrumental in providing Coastlink and the sector with quality, well trained support staff,” Mr Davis said.

“Coastlink is very proud to be able to support TAFE NSW students receive their qualifications through work placements and other collaborations with TAFE NSW.

“We intend to continue to work with TAFE NSW, through placement and other collaborations to ensure that people living with disability and the aged are supported to live their life their way.”

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

Media contact: Emma Woodward, R/Media and Communications Business Partner, 0409 618 291, emma.woodward15@tafensw.edu