Value Upskilling

The National Disability Services State of the Disability Sector Report states that 70 per cent of NDIS providers had issues recruiting disability support workers, up from 59 per cent in 2020.

This could be attributed to the pandemic and other factors.

Macquarie Community College and New Haven Farm have joined forces to provide work experience and upskilling opportunities for those looking for roles in care.

Lisa Dibley commenced working at New Haven Farm four years ago come June in the role of Disability Support Worker.

She was encouraged to complete her Certificate III in Individual Support at Macquarie Community College and went for it.

“I did my Cert III in Individual Support at Macquarie Community College working with New Haven Farm,” Ms Dibley said.

“That was really great.

“No matter how much experience you have, it is always good to refresh. “I liked that it was face-to-face training - there’s only so much you can do through computers and zoom.

“Training is great.”

Ms Dibley’s experience in the care industry started when she was just 18 years of age and has spanned over 27 years, mainly across the disability and aged care sectors.

She stepped away from her career to be a stay-at-home mum for 10 years and was eager to return to the field she loved.

“I worked in a nursing home for six years and I had a great rapport with the elderly and with people that needed help,” Ms Dibley said.

“I’ve always looked after people.

“I think it came from my mum.

“She worked in a nursing home, too, and then looked after my grandmother.”

Ms Dibley said that the level of care, and how you deliver care, don’t change, but refreshing knowledge and upskilling were always a good idea.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to say this is a job I could retire from not resign from,” she said.

“I think it’s great.”

• Topics:

• Disability
• Employment & Training
• Education