Paul’s Story: Starting a New Career in Disability Support

My experience with HITsa (Salisbury) started after I decided a career change would be beneficial to me.

I have spent much of my adult life in a manufacturing/factory setting. Mainly in the bedding industry both here in Australia and back in Scotland where I am from. Learning by being hands-on from the starter jobs through to my last job as production manager. Part of my role was to train people how to do various jobs within the industry. I quickly discovered one form of training doesn’t suit all, so I would have to adapt my teaching methods to become clear. I also spent time with elderly and disabled customers talking through their needs and designing beds specifically to those needs. Once I had made and delivered to these customers their genuine “thank you’s” was like receiving a non-monetary bonus that stayed with me for a long time. I saw they really appreciated being listened to. Hence, when I thought about a career change, I thought about exploring support roles.

After doing some homework I found HITsa would be a better fit for me than the bigger college’s as I haven’t studied in a class environment since high school 41yrs ago. I decided to take Cert 3 in Disability Support. I had between 12 and 15 classmates from school leavers through to myself at 58yrs old. We had a relaxed atmosphere embraced by the trainers who also added to that relaxed feeling. I had 4 or 5 trainers during my course, all with different approaches. At the time I preferred some approaches to others but on reflection now that I have completed my placement that diversity prepared me to fit in with the various support workers I now work alongside.

HITsa organised my placement of 120hrs with Campability. Both Amanda and Jeanette claimed, “they hand-picked me as I would suit Campability”. At the time I thought “they’re just saying that”. After completing 40hrs of my placement I was offered a permanent position with Campability. So maybe I misjudged them (sorry guys).

The team at HITsa which I had contact with included Amanda, Jeanette, Renee, Oshine and Pam were all very welcoming. All know their job. All responded well to questions, and I know if I have any questions in the future they won’t hesitate to answer them.

If you are thinking of following my path I wouldn’t think twice about saying go with HITsa, well worth it.

I’ll end this by saying Cindy is like the cog of HITsa she connects everyone. She doesn’t need oil but she does like muffins.