Blue Mountains News

Aged care and disability support workers are among the most in-demand jobs in Australia. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, 211,430 full-time positions are needed in the care and support workforce by 2050. One of the key recommendations of the 2021 report by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was for personal care workers to hold a minimum qualification of a Certificate III.

Independent support worker and Leura resident Camilla Mendoza, 65, provides personal care to clients through Mable, an online platform that connects Australians looking for disability and aged care support to independent support workers. Last year she jumped at the opportunity to upskill through TAFE NSW’s Fee-free Certificate III in Independent Support (Disability and Aged Care).

“I’ve loved completing the Certificate III course as it provided me with the skills I need to provide better care and support to my clients,” Ms Mendoza said. “I’ve been caring for an elderly woman with dementia for the past four years and I’ve learnt how to better support her physical and mental wellbeing as her condition deteriorates. Most of the course was delivered online, so being able to study after work hours made it much more achievable.

“Previously I worked as a business coach in the corporate sector for 10 years and I wanted to try something different that also offered flexibility, independence, and creates change. Now, I work to empower people who have fallen through the cracks to ensure their needs are heard and met. I love what I do and how I’m making a difference in the world.”

Mable’s Chief Finance and Operations Officer Emma Clark said there is a high demand among independent support workers at Mable for training in TAFE NSW’s Certificate III in Individual Support.

“Our collaboration with TAFE NSW allows independent support workers to study a Certificate III in Individual Support while working within the industry,” Ms Clark said. “It also boosts the number of qualified support workers in the sector.

“Older people and people with a disability often need help with everyday activities, such as brushing their teeth, showering and toileting. However, these personal services require a support worker to have a Certificate III or higher. Independent support workers who have completed this course with TAFE NSW have found it extremely comprehensive and informative. This training has significantly improved the quality of support they provide, ensuring that clients seeking assistance through Mable receive the best possible care."