Get on board new jobs plan

THE National Disability Insurance Scheme is a program that will create new jobs and give many people in the Far North a career change too.

It’s not too late for residents to start and complete a course to meet the requirements to snare a job.

It is estimated that 1600 places will be available in the region and the last situation we want is people moving north to take up many of the positions because there are a lack of qualified candidates in Cairns and surrounding area.

Those who have a desire to enter the sector should act now.

Most of the jobs are for direct support roles, such as support workers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, case managers, customer service and community engagement workers. There will be other positions, including administration, finance, planning, allied health and home maintenance jobs.

Basic qualifications needed to work in disability support take one year to be acquired through a registered training organisation and include workplace training.

Recruiting for the positions will not begin until next year but many job seekers do not realise the potential.

By mid-2020, Cairns will receive more than $250 million a year to help about 4700 people with disabilities.

Existing and potential business owners will be able to branch out as demand grows with programs as widespread as ballet schools to respite camping adventures.

The jobs are far from glamorous and will require hard work, compassion and patience.

But they will be rewarding to help those less fortunate in the community and will be long-lasting. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au