From Miner to Support Worker - David's NDIS career change
FROM MINING TO NDIS - DAVID'S NEW CAREER PATH
It wasn’t long ago David Freney didn’t know if he would ever work again but now he’s realising a whole new career opportunity in the NDIS sector.
David had worked around 30 years in the mining industry when, around two years ago, he unfortunately lost his eyesight due to a hereditary condition which saw him undergo numerous operations over 12 months.
Now, thankfully the 57-year-old has regained vision in one eye and partial vision in the other and is getting back to a relatively normal life, but instead of returning to the mining industry he’s found a whole new career.
“I couldn’t go back to mining even if I’d wanted to and I thought there wasn’t much I would actually be able to do, I thought I was pretty limited,” he said.
“Then I was talking to a friend who had an adult son who needed daily assistance and I realised that I could work in the NDIS and also get to help people.
“I’m now working as a Lifestyle Support Worker (LSW) with selectability and I’ve started studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health with selectability Training too.
“It’s great because I’ve gained a lot of experience in my time in mining including mine rescue and working with people through challenging situations, and now I can put that to use in a different way.
“Starting a new career definitely has been a challenge, but it’s a rewarding job and something I can see myself doing for many years to come.”
GROWING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NDIS
Sixteen other new NDIS sector workers from across Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Charters Towers and Mt Isa were inducted into the workforce of leading North Queensland mental wellbeing and suicide prevention service provider selectabilty this week alone.
CEO Debra Burden said the sector was a great source of meaningful employment for job seekers across North and West Queensland.
She said a recent research project by CQ University, CSIRO’s Data61 and Global Community Resourcing in collaboration with the Community Services Industry Alliance and WorkAbility Qld found a shortage of skilled NDIS workers could be a barrier to the scheme’s growth.
“selectabilty currently employs over 240 workers predominantly delivering mental wellbeing NDIS services & support and Government-funded mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, as well as providing support co-ordination services to NDIS participants across all categories,” she said.
“While research shows growth in the number of NDIS Participants has been slower than predicted there is also evidence of substantial growth in NDIS jobs in the Townsville region.
“For us, recruitment, professional development (PD), training and career progression is important because it will ensure each participant is receiving the services and the support they need to live a life of choice and meaning.”
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selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge those with lived experience and those who support and partner with us to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across regional Queensland.
