iTeC Academy launches disability support courses to meet rising industry demand

A growing demand in disability services and the need for new employees in the industry has prompted iTeC Academy to introduce disability support courses for the first time.

Business development manager Virginia Wren said while they had delivered courses in aged care for many years, the need to add disability support courses stemmed from talks with Illawarra disability providers late last year who were seeking more employees to ease pressure in the industry.

“The health sector – aged and disability industry – is experiencing a huge demand in services and therefore needs new employees,” Virginia said.

“This is one of the main growth areas for employment.

“Neither industry is regulated, which means that people can work in this industry without formal qualifications.

“However, there was a real demand for both existing workers to undertake the training to receive formal qualifications and there is a demand for new workers in the industry as there are lots of jobs available.

“A lot of the providers are now looking for staff with the qualifications and the government could change the legislation at any time.”

As of this week, the NSW Government advised the Coniston-based training and vocational organisation that the fee-free course funding has now stopped, but Virginia said there was still some subsidised training on offer.

“We will still be delivering the courses as per normal and most clients could be eligible for Smart and Skilled funding,” she said.

“We are able to check each individual eligibility for subsidised training so anyone interested should still enquire.”

She said the ageing and disability support courses had the same core units, with only the electives being different.

“I held an industry consultation meeting with the local disability providers last year to decide on what elective units were most applicable to their needs,” she said.

“So, the disability providers were involved in the selection of the units of study we are delivering.

“We wanted their involvement in this to ensure we are delivering the right courses to cater for their needs.”

Virginia said they were offering two courses, the first was the three-unit short course Disability Support Kickstart Program, which was targeted at anyone aged 16 to 24 years looking to start work in the disability sector. This one has quickly sold out.

It enabled interested parties to try the course over five weeks and then see if they wanted to undertake the full Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).

Virginia said they were also offering two full Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) – one for existing workers wanting to receive the qualification for working in the disability industry and the other for new entrants to the industry.

“Whether you’re an experienced support worker or someone looking to make a positive impact in a new career, this course will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to provide high-quality, person-centred care to people with disabilities,” she said.

“You’ll learn how to support individuals to live more independently, encourage their active participation in the community, and promote their overall wellbeing.”

She encouraged people to look at the disability sector as a career path.

“It’s for someone who is very caring, shows empathy, has good patience and good communication skills, is flexible in their approach and shows respect for the dignity and independence of their clients,” she said.

Learn more about iTeC Academy’s Disability Support Kickstart Program and Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).