Michaela Meade
A free program is providing training for those interested in working in the disability sector.
OnCall Australia, an organisation that provides professional support personnel for people living with disabilities, as well as families and youths in need, is running a free program – JobReady.
The program gives free disability sector training, and guarantees participants with a job at the conclusion of the program.
Craigieburn resident Bikash Gautam is one of the people taking advantage of the program, having lost his job in hospitality after 10 years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Gautam said he was excited to have the opportunity to help people who need it most.
“I’m loving it, working in the sector,” he said.
“The best part is helping someone that needs it, to get their goal, or realising what their dream is.
“You become satisfied with helping them reach it.
“You can encourage them to live their life to the fullest.
“There’s empowerment that comes with it for [the people I work with].”
Mr Gautam said the JobReady program was a very smooth process that he would highly recommend.
“The program is useful all the way through your career,” he said.
“You start with a lot of hours, and the more you get experience, the more you can actually do.
“You get more clients who want to work with you as well.
“It was seven or eight days of training, and if you needed any help, they’re [the instructors] always there to help you.
“You can build confidence and experience, and can then work with clients with more intense needs or behavioural concerns.
“The work’s truly rewarding… You’re helping people to reach their goals.”
Mr Gautam said anyone wanting to take advantage of the JobReady program needed to be ready to face all it brings, the good and the challenging.
“They must be very patient, compassionate and able to listen and understand the client,” he said.
“[They need to] help them according to their needs, and to respect them and their choices.”
