“I am almost 30 years old and want a career that I can enjoy for many more moons to come and when I saw this opportunity, I decided to press apply,” she said.
Prior to signing up for the More Jobs More Care program, a NSW Government initiative which Apprenticeship Careers Australia is proud to deliver, Emma worked at a bakery and then decided to stay home to care for her six-year-old daughter. The flexibility of working in the disability support sector made it the perfect fit for Emma. “Being a single mum, I have to juggle between caring for my daughter and working and this suited my lifestyle well.”
With the support from her mentor in the program, Emma set her mind on studying and knew this was the industry she wanted to be in. “The program made things flow (for me) and it was really fun to learn. It also taught me that every individual deserves to live a full quality life – living with a disability or not!”
Emma has successfully finished the program and is currently completing a traineeship in disability support. For Emma, coming home from her first day of work with a massive smile on her face was a special feeling. She had helped a client with some errands and showed her how to use her new air fryer. “I left her place so happy and I’ll never forget that day.”
Now that her career is progressing, Emma is encouraging more people to work in the sector.
“If you’re a bubbly, caring and motivated person that’s willing to learn new skills, accept a challenge here and there, this is the sector for you. You won’t regret it and you’ll love the new people you meet along the way. The feeling of making someone else’s day a little bit brighter is unforgettable.”