Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) Program

Multicap is proud to offer funded training for Certificate III in Individual Support for eligible individuals, under the Queensland Government initiative.

SQW Success Stories

Jody

Straight after graduating from the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) program with a Certificate III in Individual Support, Jody secured her first position with Multicap.

Jody said her favourite part of the course was the practical work, especially the buddy system.

“The buddy [a Disability Support Worker] took us under their wing to show us what to do,” she said.

“We got to do lots of hands on work – it was really good!”

Jody said she enjoyed the course and working with Multicap customers.

“The high needs support prepares you really well. It was a big help!” she said.

“That’s why I applied for Multicap when I finished.”

Chantel

After completing four weeks (120 hours) of organised practical placement with Multicap, Chantel successfully received her Certificate III in Individual Support.

Chantel fondly reflects on the program and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more and develop her skills in preparation for the workforce.

“I absolutely loved the program!” Chantel said. “The Multicap staff were so supportive through everything and I am so grateful they were there to support me,” she added.

“I am so proud of myself!” Chantel said.

“I have dyslexia and never thought I would be able to do some of the things that I have done in this program.”

“It has been very rewarding for me and I have learned so much through Kate and Tina, and also the amazing customers,” she added.

Chantel completed her work experience at the Mt. Ommaney Hub and thoroughly enjoyed working and supporting customers in community activities across Brisbane.

“I have had some experience in Aged Care. However, working with customer’s 1 on 1 was so rewarding for me,” Chantel said.

“The customers are very intelligent and they taught me so much during my time with them."

Through the program, Chantel has been able to successfully work towards the career change and path she is looking for.

“My computer skills have improved and everything! It’s just great,” she said.

“I really enjoyed the class work and the experience overall.

Francois

Francois was one of the first students to participate in the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) training at Multicap. Prior to studying in Australia, Francois was struggling to find work.

Francois was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Francois and his family lived comfortably in DRC until the Second Congo War started in 1998. In all the chaos, Francois and his family separated.

In 2000, Francois heard rumours his family were still alive and living in a refugee camp in Tanzania. At the tender age of 11, Francois flew to Tanzania to reunite with his family.
Francois spent more than 15 years in the refugee camp, finishing primary and high school within the camp. He even spent four years studying laboratory science at a university within the camp.

This all changed for Francois, his partner and children in June 2016 when they were granted visas to enter Australia. It was a bittersweet moment for Francois. Although moving to Australia would give Francois, his partner and children more opportunities, he would have to leave his parents and siblings behind.

When Francois arrived in Australia, the study he had completed in Africa did not meet Australian standards so he was told he would have to start again. Understandably, Francois did not want to spend years studying again. He was struggling to find work and mentioned this to a friend, who heard about the fully-funded Certificate III in Individual Support course. Francois leapt at the chance as he has always been passionate about helping people with disability. While living in Africa, Francois had a friend with a disability and always encouraged him to do whatever he wanted to do.

“I didn’t get paid or anything – I did it out of love!” he smiles.

Francois began studying his Certificate III in Individual Support in May 2017 at Multicap in Eight Mile Plains, attending training from 8am-4pm on Mondays and Fridays and completing assessments during the week.

“It is a really good course,” Francois said. “The class was like a family.”

While studying, Francois had a work placement in an aged care facility, where he got hands on experience.

After graduating in October 2017, Francois commenced work with Multicap.

“I really, really like my job,” Francois smiles.

“I am really happy when sharing ideas with customers. I love to encourage them to achieve their goals,” he said. “I love it so it shows.”