Caring for her father motivates Sharon to study Individual Support and help others

Sharon Line's dedication towards helping care for her father is now helping others in the community' thanks to CQUniversity's Certificate III in Individual Support.

Sharon' who works as a Care Companion for Right At Home In Home Care and Assistance in Mackay' has almost completed her training at CQU' which she says was something she's always wanted to do.

"I decided to study Individual Support as I enjoy people's company and socialising'" she said.

"My dad lives with a disability and my siblings and I have always supported him in various ways' so I decided to take a leap and put myself out there to support other people in the community.

"Since starting this course my father has been diagnosed with dementia and has recently had one of his legs amputated' so I have been able to bring my knowledge to my family to continue to support our father."

Sharon said CQU's training has been a real "eye-opener".

"The residential school was very helpful and fun at the same time with the fellow students. It has been many years since I attended school' so I was a little nervous' but to see the way the (training) rooms are set up makes you feel like you're working in the field'" she said.

"The classroom was set up like a room you would find in aged care. We got to hoist' and pretend to shower a client' so the hands-on aspect made the training more realistic."

Sharon secured her employment one-month after starting the course.

"I absolutely love this job as every day is different. I have met all kinds of clients with different needs and disabilities and have also supported people with family members in palliative care. I have learned so much in this area. The studying became a little more relevant as I progressed through the course.

"The training has given me more insight into what this job involves and the different strategies to use whilst working in the field."

She said she was considering looking into further study' possibly combining her Individual Support training with her previous experience as a pharmacy assistant.

She encouraged anyone interested in becoming a carer to give Individual Support a go.

"This has been the best job role I have ever worked in' and I have worked in pharmacy and administration and this is by far the most rewarding job'" she said.

"The training is a real eye opener into how many people in our community need assistance from any age and how much of a difference you can make to their everyday life."

To learn more about the Certificate III in Individual Support' visit the CQU TAFE Careers Expo will be held on 18 January 2023 at the CQUniversity Mackay City campus on Sydney Street from 2 – 5.30 pm. Simultaneous events will be held at CQUniversity Gladstone Marina on Bryan Jordan Drive and CQUniversity Rockhampton City on Canning Street. Register to attend and go in the draw to win Apple AirPods Pro (RRP $399) and to receive an SMS reminder when the TAFE Careers Expo is about to start.