A shortage of disability support workers creates opportunities for jobseekers

Harpreet Mehrok is a busy Wagga mum but has managed to juggle online study and parenting to secure ongoing employment through TAFE NSW virtual classrooms.

“As a mum, it was so much easier not to have to find a babysitter for the children while I studied,” Mrs Mehrok said.

Mrs Mehrok arrived from India 15 years ago without any formal qualifications and worked as a nanny before setting her sights on a more secure career in the booming field of disability support.

She said being able to complete her study by ”virtual classroom” was a “blessing”.

The demand for online study grew during COVID-19 lockdowns, with education institutions across the world forced to adapt.

The TAFE NSW virtual classroom brings students from different locations together via video conferencing.

Mrs Mehrok completed a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at Wagga TAFE last year.

“I can see how many skills and how much personal growth it has given me,” she said.

“I used to be scared if I was moving to a new place but with this qualification, I now know I can support myself and my family.”

The disability sector is in the midst of an NDIS-fuelled jobs boom, with an estimated national shortage of about 120,000 disability support workers.

The shortages in the sector were highlighted during the pandemic as COVID furloughs put pressure on staff who were working overtime to deal with mounting numbers on sick leave.

Mrs Mehrok said it was the prospect of almost-guaranteed employment that had prompted her to enrol at TAFE.

Within weeks of graduation, she had landed not one but three disability support jobs.

“The course was very practical and detailed, and really prepared me to work in the industry straight away,” she said.

“What they teach you is very person-centred and strength-based, which was very helpful.”

She added that the work was also personally rewarding, supporting clients to live more independently in their homes.

“This opportunity has really changed my life,” she said.

Disability teacher Simone Stuart said Mrs Mehrok was one of countless examples of disability graduates walking straight into paid work.

“Most of the group actually got a job before graduating and it’s one of those industries where if you want a job, you will get one,” Ms Stuart said.

“TAFE NSW really does give its students the practical skills and work experience to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.”

TAFE NSW is also set to reap the benefits of a record $2.8 billion in skills and training announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.

Some $2b will be a recurrent investment in Australia’s largest training provider, while there is a further $318 million capital investment to upgrade teaching equipment, facilities and digital infrastructure.

The Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) and Certificate IV in Disability will be offered at TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga for semester two, in August.

For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.