The Certificate IV in Disability course will include a theoretical component of study based at Seymour TAFE with work-based training at Goulburn Options one day each week.
The course aims to balance theory while also allowing students to get a glimpse into the disability sector through participating in day-to-day service delivery.
‘‘Such practical training also means students who complete the course will be well equipped to step into employment as soon as they finish their studies,’’ Goulburn Options chief executive Rosey Panelli said.
‘‘Goulburn Options is delighted to assist in bringing disability training to Seymour.
‘‘As the NDIS spreads through this region, we need to increase our staff to meet the demand for service.
‘‘By supporting this business-based training model we will be helping local people to take advantage of the employment opportunities.’’
Goulburn Options’ Megan Hill started working with the organisation when she was 18 and unsure what career path she wanted to take.
Twelve years on and with some TAFE training under her belt, she is now the disability services manager and passionate about providing the best possible services to people with disability.
‘‘I am really looking forward to having TAFE students working with us next year,’’ she said.
‘‘To train in a program balancing theory with a practical placement working alongside experienced staff is the best way to prepare for work in the disability sector.’’
University student Ryan Heath said the course was a great way to get involved in the community while learning valuable job skills.
“It complements my psychology degree as disability is where I want to move in to,” he said.
“I would encourage other people to get involved. It’s not something I considered until I tried it and loved the experience.
“There is heaps of work in disability and it’s a chance to meet the community. When you work at Goulburn Options you get to know the whole town.”
The Certificate IV in Disability starts in mid to late February and takes 940 hours to complete.
The course will equip students to offer disability support in residential group homes, training resource centres and open employment services.
It provides skills and knowledge to train and support people with disabilities to enhance their independence, self-reliance and community participation.
The course is part of FREE TAFE and will see students kickstart their training with a 10-day block of study at the Seymour campus.
They will then continue training three days a week, with two days in the classroom at the Seymour Campus and one day a week in the workplace with either Goulburn Options in Seymour or Dame Pattie Menzies in Alexandra.
For more information, visit gotafe.vic.edu.au
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