If you are thinking about becoming a Disability Support Worker, now more than ever is the moment!
The new NDIS research shows the number of Queenslanders receiving supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has almost doubled from 55,000 in 2019 to more than 102,000 at 31 December 2021. This number is expected to more than double over the next decade.
The sector has been impacted dramatically by Covid 19 due to factors such as isolation or quarantine, infection control requirements, vaccination mandates and a lack of access to work placements required to complete certificate level qualifications. Further to this, the closure of international borders has decreased the casual labour force.
This means strong demand for additional workers, with NDIS-related occupations predicted to be some of the fastest growing jobs in Queensland in coming years.
Another interesting fact is that the diversity of people with disabilities who are receiving NDIS supports is increasing, especially participants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. There is a lack of diversity in the NDIS workforce also, where most workers are female, over the age of 40, non-Indigenous and speaking only English. In other words, they need more workers who can speak other languages apart from English, and who has different cultural background, a Golden Ticket for International Students.
Additionally, more than 42.6 per cent of NDIS participants are aged under 15 years, which highlights the type of workers needed (younger and diverse).
WHO ARE THE NDIS PARTICIPANTS?
source: Strengthening Queensland’s NDIS Workforce 2021
NDIS participants in these categories are more likely to need assistance with a range of activities including daily living and self-care, with the highest level of need being in the areas of cognitive and emotional support and mobility.
NDIS PARTICIPANTS IN QUEENSLAND BY AGE GROUP, DEC 2021
Sounds interesting? Enquire now – the industry is waiting for you!
The entry level qualification to get you started in this booming industry is the Certificate III in Individual Support.
Enquire now – info@educare.edu.au