6 Reasons We Need Training for NDIS Workers
What you’re learning now will set you up for your whole career, right?
The truth is for most jobs you need ongoing training to keep up with the changing nature of work.
Receptionists expertly typing on typewriters had to learn digital systems, medical professionals have to update their practices with changing definitions of illness, and disability support workers have moved from an institutional model, to group homes, to the new world of the NDIS!
Unfortunately, since the NDIS rolled out, many working under the NDIS have noticed a huge change in the amount of training offered to them at work.
Here are six reasons why we need a Portable Training System to be funded in the NDIS:
1. The NDIS workforce must double by 2020.
Once fully rolled out, the NDIS will support around half a million participants.
That means many more people are able to access support, and that is exactly what unions, people with disability and carers fought for.
This huge change to the sector means we need the NDIS workforce to double to accommodate and provide for the growing amount of participants.
How do we do this? We need to make the career attractive by providing job security, good pay and training! Under the ASU NDIS Portable Training Scheme, all workers will be able to access paid time off to do training, keeping them up-to-date, skilled, and valued in their jobs.
2. The success of the NDIS depends on workers!
When we campaigned for the NDIS, we fought to put choice and control back in the hands of people with disability. That means the ability to access a range of flexible, specialised services, with a stable staff of skilled workers available to choose from.
Under the ASU NDIS Portable Training Scheme, new workers will be given free training in the first 6 months of starting work, and gain their Certificate III within the first year. If you already have your Cert III, you will accumulate training to use every year.
3. NDIS workers deserve career progression, too.
Like turtles, your career can last over 50 years, but not many people do the same job the whole time. Over your career you should be able to specialise in areas that interest you, and keep up to date with the latest practical and theoretical skills you need to provide the best support to people with disability.
Under the ASU NDIS Portable Training Scheme, you would accumulate 1 hour of training credit for every 50 hours you work, meaning you can access 3 days per year of training in anything you like. It will cover your paid time off to do it, too!
4. The NDIS is a huge shake-up - so training should be recognised and portable.
A lot of ASU members have noticed a massive change to the sector since the NDIS has rolled out, with new service providers popping up, changing their names, closing down and expanding. That means that workers need training that is recognised nationally, so when you move jobs, other providers will recognise your skills. So you can use your credits at TAFE to get nationally recognised certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas.
Under the ASU NDIS Portable Training Scheme, you’d also keep your training credits wherever you go, so if you work multiple jobs, you’re always accumulating training credits.
5. It wouldn't cost that much.
Research from the Australia Institute shows that the NDIS Portable Training System would cost less than 1 cent for every dollar spent by the government on NDIS funding! Now that's a bargain!
6. NDIS Participants deserve a well-trained, skilled workforce!
Seems obvious, right?
Check out our video explaining the NDIS Portable Training System here:
