The Department of Human Services has announced that more than 730 South Australians have applied for a Disability Support Traineeship with the Public Service since the latest recruitment drive began in March.
Minister for Human Services, Michelle Lensink said applications were still open for the traineeship program, which was set to deliver a pipeline of eager, qualified applicants to fill vital frontline jobs across the State.
Ms Lensink said frontline disability support staff played a critical role in supporting people with disability to live full and independent lives.
She said more than 58 high-calibre applicants had scored traineeships so far, with 41 already graduating from a rigorous introductory training course where they gained skills in infection control, workplace health and safety and first aid.
“If you’d like to make a real difference in the lives of others, a traineeship is a life-changing opportunity to start a rewarding career in a growing industry and get paid while you train,” Ms Lensink said.
She said the new recruits had begun practical, hands-on work under the guidance of experienced mentors, supporting adults living with diverse and complex disabilities in State-run accommodation services.
She said that after one year, the recruits would receive a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).
The Minister said that among the latest cohort of trainees were three survivors of domestic violence who were supported to pursue the opportunity through a parallel Skills SA program called Empowering Career Options.
She said the recruitment drive was launched in March to hire the first of 175 disability services trainees in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Kadina, and more traineeships would be filled this year through group training organisation MEGT, with further recruitment rounds to follow in 2022.
The MEGT website can be accessed at this PS News link and more information on the Empowering Career Options program at this link.
