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Do I need qualifications to be a disability worker?

By Ana Isabel Alonsagay


Disability support workers have long formed a valuable part of Australia’s community services, empowering those with disabilities to live life to their fullest potential. The role has primarily captured those with a passion and drive for helping others; and offers a highly lucrative, rewarding career path for those with the right skills and experience. 

If you consider yourself a great multi-tasker, communicator, and an all-around people-person, then the job of a disability worker may just be for you. However – qualifications are often crucial to gaining employment, helping verify the skills and knowledge required to work with and care for clients.

Fortunately, achieving this no longer requires an entire four-year degree, as plenty of online options now cater to training in disability support. We explore the benefits of pursuing an online course below, and how Upskilled can help you get a head start. 

The benefits of studying an online disability course 

1. Build the work-ready skills you need, faster. 

Online courses typically take a far shorter time to complete compared to traditional university degrees. Upskilled, for example, offers online training programs in community services that take up to a maximum of 18 months when pursued full-time.

This allows you to build your skills and experience faster, helping you enter the workforce in a shorter time frame. Despite taking less time, however, an online disability course will still typically delve into all the practical, hands-on activities involved in the field – equipping you with a work-ready skill set upon completion. Upskilled’s courses also culminate in work placements to build your experience in the actual field, along with nationally-recognised qualifications that grant you that competitive edge to stand out in the job market. 

Alongside the legal and ethical complexities of a disability support environment, students will also commonly train in safe work practices; providing individualised support, and supporting independence and community participation among clients. They’ll additionally hone their workplace soft skills – such as communication, collaboration, and organisational habits – helping them explore and transition to other, related fields if desired. 

2. Study when and where best suits you. 

studying online concept

A primary benefit to studying disability support online is the ability to train at a time, place, and schedule that suits you best. This added autonomy has actually contributed to better learning outcomes; increasing retention rates, engagement, and satisfaction with one’s learning experience compared to face-to-face training. 

If you’re interested in the field of disability work, though find yourself tied to a busy schedule – pursuing an online course can help you tailor your studies around your existing professional and personal commitments. All resources, communication tools, and assessments are available for 24/7 online access, meaning all you need is a working computer, a stable internet connection, and a suitable study space to tend to your course – any time, anywhere. 

With Upskilled, students are given a customised learning platform (MyUpskilled) to access tutorials, video content, and get in touch with trainers, granting them full control over their study environment and timetable.

3. Collaborate flexibly with other students.

Despite greater independence in your studies, however, online study is far from an isolated experience. Students can easily connect with their trainers and other course peers through online tools such as a student portal, forums, and instant messaging. 

MyUpskilled, for instance, offers a varied range of communication tools – from forums and discussion boards to dedicated student support services. Though you may not be learning in a traditional, physical classroom, a quality online course ensures that you never feel alone in your studies. 

Additionally, Upskilled’s CHC33015 – Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) incorporates interactive learning and role-playing activities to enhance your practical skills as a disability worker. This grants you further opportunity to collaborate with and get to know other students in your course. Not only will you get to share and discover new perspectives with other, aspiring support workers – but you’ll also gain insight into everyday workplace expectations and practices. With students eventually required to go on work placement, these role-playing tasks can also serve as preparation for real-world industry scenarios. 

4. Build work experience on the side. 

Finally, pursuing an online disability support course offers the flexibility to build practical work experience on the side. Though Upskilled’s certificate program offers work placement as part of its final assessment, you may also wish to undergo internships or volunteer work while studying. 

Thankfully, with the freedom and autonomy online learning provides, you can easily balance other work or educational pursuits while completing your course. Being an incredibly physical, “hands-on” field, the combination of both extensive work experience and a recognised qualification can help boost your employability when seeking available permanent roles.

Exploring the actual industry while completing your course can also help you build professional connections that may prove valuable in the long-term. 

Studying an online disability course with Upskilled 

woman with child in wheelchair

As mentioned, Upskilled currently offers a CHC33015 – Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) for those seeking career pathways in disability support. Students will build both theoretical knowledge in mental and physical health, professional practice, and workplace ethics; as well as practical experience in providing client support, facilitating empowerment, and effective communication in a community services environment. 

How to apply for the online disability course 

To apply for our online disability course, select “Enquire Now” on the course page to complete an enquiry form with your basic information. This allows you to get in touch with a career consultant, who will then walk you through the details of what to expect in the program.  

Are there any entry requirements for the course?

To enter this course, you’ll need to be at least 18 years of age and have completed year 10 or equivalent, OR a qualification at a Certificate II level or higher, OR two years of relevant industry experience. Those interested can enrol anytime. 

How long will it take to complete the course?

This course takes up to 18 months to complete. 

Kickstart a career in disability support today! 

With its expansive career opportunities, dynamic work tasks, and a chance to make a lasting, societal impact – disability support remains as one of the most fulfilling, exciting fields of Australia’s community services industry

Build the skills you need to make a difference, and enquire with us on the course today.
 

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