Shifts full of ‘fun, fingerpainting and hairspray’ is one of the ways Rhys describes his work as a Disability Support Worker after recently joining the industry.
Rhys graduated from Multicap’s first Brisbane-based Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) program with a Certificate III in Individual Support and is extremely happy with his new career.
“It’s the best decision I have made. It’s the most rewarding job I have experienced.”
Having previously worked in IT and Security, Rhys hadn’t been working for several months due to an injury, when he applied for the course.
“Disability support work stood out to me because having worked in the security industry means I have seen challenging behaviours before,” Rhys said. “I’m very interested in trying to understand these behaviours while also learning to de-escalate them and reduce their impacts.”
Rhys said there are many positives to being a Disability Support Worker.
“I enjoy the flexibility in my roster working as a casual doing in-home support, SIL housing and the school holiday program at Geebung. It also allows time for me to continue working on personal projects, such as renovating my house.
“Multicap’s range of services provide me opportunities to broaden my skills and experience. I’m excited to currently be considered for shifts on a Multicap assisted holiday,” said Rhys.
Multicap’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work Manager, Kate Hanson said the first stage of the SQW initiative has been a great success.
“In the last year, we’ve had 54 students enrol in the program and of those, 19 people are now employed at Multicap after graduation and 37 students are employed with other disability or aged care providers,” said Kate.
“The SQW initiative is bringing people with different life experiences into the support industry. People like Rhys bring new skills and enthusiasm into their roles and can build fulfilling careers,” she said.
“The feedback we’re receiving on the course has been positive. Participants are enjoying their people-focused and rewarding career that provides flexible rosters that suit their commitments.”
Rhys encourages anyone thinking about a career change into disability support work to do it.
“It’ll be a good decision. It’s a great industry to work in with plenty of career opportunities.”
For more information about our work-based training opportunities, visit our website Work Based Training | Multicap.