Amber appreciated her friend saying she would make a great Disability worker but wrote it off as a compliment when he said, “You should really do this for living.” It took her several more years before she enrolled at Macquarie Community College in the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability).
She really should have taken her friend more seriously. As a person living with cerebral palsy, he had experience with support workers and noted her empathic approach to personal care. Yet having struggled a little in school, the commitment to enrolling in a course was hardly likely on the strength of one compliment!
It was another experience that made her realise there was more to her friend’s observation than she thought. Skiing with family in Canada, her mother hit a snow mound. Amber kept her mother warm and calm as she advised the two teams of medics of her mother’s condition.
After assisting with her mother’s care, Amber bit the bullet and enrolled in the Individual Support course. Under the Smart & Skilled and JobTrainer initiatives, she was eligible to study fee free*.
The Future is Bright for Amber
Now, she works for three disability clients, focusing her efforts on providing social-emotional as much as physical support, and has ambitions to strike out on her own as a Disability Provider once she gains more experience and a CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability.
“I am anxious about further study, but my clients make me feel confident enough to go for it.” She knows she’ll succeed because of her understanding trainers, the small class sizes, and option for remote learning, which means she can complete most of her course propped up in bed if she wants to—apart from the practical training and work placement! Amber has found her calling.
Study + Work Placement = Employment Opportunities
People often think their only education options are TAFE or university. However, obtaining a VET (Vocational Education Training) qualification at an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) like Macquarie Community College may be a more suitable option for prospective students.
“They’re kind, they want you to succeed, and they always show you pathways to further your career,” says Amber. Another bonus is that you get great job opportunities from work placement and possibly be offered a job like Amber did!
Call 1300 845 888 or visit www.macquarie.nsw.edu.au to find out more and whether you are eligible for fee-free* training like Amber.
Campus locations include Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Mt Druitt, Ryde, Richmond as well as online learning.
*Eligibility criteria apply.