Teacher aides get recognition for skills
Friday, 30 November 2007
Logan City Special School last week presented nine teacher aides with high level qualifications in recognition of their experience and skills in the disability industry.
Graduating with a Certificate IV in Disability Work through Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (MSIT), the teacher aides underwent a series of assessments to determine their eligibility to receive the qualification through the Skills First (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.
Benefiting from the Skills First (Recognition of Prior Learning) Vouchers, the group are now qualified to work in the industry ahead of upcoming minimum level certification requirements.
Disability Work Trainer and Assessor Carol Thackray said it was a win-win situation for the teachers and the employer.
"We met at the school after school hours so it didn't interfere with any classes.
"The training has really boosted the confidence of everyone involved and the vouchers meant no-one was out of pocket," Ms Thackray said.
Tersia Holmes of Calamvale said the process had given her a new lease on life and a new direction.
"The experience has been incredible. I knew I had the skills, but to have them formally recognised has really opened up my eyes to the number of skills I have," Tersia said.
"The thought of going back to class was intimidating at first, but now I truly believe I can do anything. I am even applying for uni at the same time as my daughter - I'll be a first year uni student alongside my daughter," she said.
The Skills First process required the teacher aides to provide written evidence of their skills and demonstrate essential knowledge within the disability work industry.
Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE offers flexible options to study and can provide whole of business training to small business, corporations and individuals at a time and place which suits the client as well as specialised Skills First assessors for a wide range of industries.
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