Government and industry leaders have come together to launch an innovative training course for people working in the disability sector, with the aim of supporting and guiding NDIS participants across Australia to achieve open employment.

The NDIS Employment Support Fundamentals microcredential is a significant collaboration between industry and academic leaders, National Disability Services (NDS), Disability Employment Australia (DEA), and genU Training.

genU Chief Executive Officer Clare Amies said the online course, which is offered nationally through genU Training, had been co-designed for the disability employment sector to cultivate a workforce that has the skills and capability to champion the employment aspirations of people supported by the NDIS.

“We are collectively excited about the potential this course has to make a significant difference for people with disability who are seeking employment,” Ms Amies said. “We are all committed to reducing the high rate of unemployment among people with disability and we believe this training is going to have a positive impact.

“This five-module online course has been specifically designed for people working in the disability employment landscape. It is easy to access, and people can complete the training in their own time, at their own pace.”

NDIS Employment Support Fundamentals will help to solve some of the access and information challenges that have been identified in previous learning opportunities and improve how people understand the full range of support that is available.

“This course also gives people the skills to help build rapport and trust with NDIS participants, and engage with families and supporters of participants,” Ms Amies said.

“We know these are crucial components in helping participants successfully and confidently reach their employment aims.”

NDS Head of Employment Colin Entwistle said an improved understanding of the many interfaces within the employment ecosystem and incorporating principles of customised employment would create mutual benefits.

“NDIS Employment Support Fundamentals is a key step in building stronger workforce capability which will lead to increased support for NDIS participants to enhance pathways to sustainable jobs and achieve their employment goals,” Mr Entwistle said.

“This microcredential will further enhance inclusion, economic participation, career and development pathways for participants.”

DEA Chief Executive Officer Peter Bacon emphasised this as a moment for NDIS providers to embrace the opportunity to better support participants into open employment.

“Over the last five years the unemployment rate for people with disability has decreased from more than 10% to 7.5%,” Mr Bacon said.

“Australia is becoming more inclusive, and so are employers. However, we know that there is a long way to go, and we can all do better. This innovative, co-designed training package is another significant step in the right direction.”

You can find out more about NDIS Employment Support Fundamentals at here.