Highton resident Kari Wilson shares experience of disability support work, how free TAFE helped her expand skills

Highton resident Kari Wilson has shared why she made the switch from hospitality work to a career in disability services.

Kari Wilson became a disability worker at Better2gether after completing a free TAFE course at The Gordon. Picture: Alison Wynd

Having worked in hospitality since her teens, Highton resident Kari Wilson reached a point in her 20s where she wanted a career change.

Ms Wilson, 27, decided to pursue a career in disability services, feeling it was a good fit.

She said she’d heard from family and friends how fulfilling and enjoyable the work could be.

She then completed her Certificate IV in disability at The Gordon, and started her new career at support organisation Better2gether.

Ms Wilson became one of the almost 6400 Greater Geelong residents to complete a free TAFE course.

Kari Wilson, pictured with client Jayden, said she enjoyed having fun with and supporting her clients. Picture: Alison Wynd

“I really enjoy having fun with my clients, and being able to support them,” Ms Wilson said.

“Reaching their goals has been really good – even something as simple as a client didn’t know how to use the washing machine.

“Supporting them to then learn how to do their own laundry, even something as simple as that can be quite exciting.”

Ms Wilson said watching people gain more independence and empowerment was a highlight of her job, which she’s been in for four years.

She began as a disability support worker and has since been promoted to community connection team leader.

Ms Wilson said her TAFE course being offered for free made a huge difference, since she wouldn’t have been able to afford it on her own in her 20s.

“It made it way easier, and stress-free,” she said.

“It’s good to have those options there, to do it freely and not have to worry about ‘can I afford that course?’”

More than 80 government-funded courses are available across the state as part of the free TAFE program.

The top five courses in Greater Geelong are Certificate IV in training and assessment, Diploma of Nursing, Diploma of Community Services, Certificate III in horticulture, and Certificate III in early childhood education and care.

Every Victorian is eligible for the training, with a one-course limit on participation within one priority pathway no longer in place.

For more information, visit tafe.educationapps.vic.gov.au

Originally published as Highton resident Kari Wilson shares experience of disability support work, how free TAFE helped her expand skills