Free training opportunity in Foster

DISCOVER employment opportunities in the care and support sector with the ‘Work For Yourself’ training program to be offered for the third time at Manna Gum Community House as part of their Learn Local program.

The government funded course was developed in partnership with Gippsland Skills and Jobs Centre, TAFE Gippsland and other Learn Local organisations across Gippsland to fill a worker shortage in the care and support sector.

The program will run for eight weeks on Thursdays starting October 5 and will assist participants to take the first steps setting up as a sole trader and providing ‘light touch’ services such as gardening, shopping and cleaning to people on National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plans. It will provide insight into the NDIS, and advice on professional conduct and boundaries when working with clients.

Manna Gum staff member Genevieve Moore facilitates the course. Before working in the community sector, she worked in education and training roles for many years including the Commonwealth and State public service.

A previous participant already working in the care and support sector found the course highly valuable: “it has been very helpful in the direction I want to go with my business,” she says.

“I think this is vital for all support workers who are untrained in the field to provide a responsible service to our very vulnerable clients.”

“There are a range of jobs available working in care and support, and you don’t need a qualification to start many of these jobs,” says Rebecca Matthews, Manager of Manna Gum Community House.

“People find success in entry-level support roles with skills drawn from their own life experience, and a sense of compassion and respect. It can suit people looking for a flexible working environment who want to choose the hours that they work.”

The course also provides information and support for the next steps into higher education study in other sectors such as Childcare or Aged Care. It works well in conjunction with the Certificate III in Individual Support currently on offer at TAFE Gippsland.

For people on a JobSeeker Centrelink benefit, a Learn Local government funded course is approved study that may count towards requirements. It is free and accessible and delivered in an informal, supportive environment at the Community House.

One of the strengths of the course is the range of guest speakers that are engaged, as one previous participant says, “Genevieve has put a great deal of thought into the information shared and the guest speakers are valuable with their experience in the field, their knowledge is worth its weight in gold.”

For further information and to register your interest contact Rebecca or Genevieve at Manna Gum Community House on 5682 1101.