BEING a single mum in her 40s, with three children and multiple jobs, Naomi Thomas was determined to achieve something more for herself.<\/p>\n
After overcoming initial self-doubt and various barriers, she earned a Diploma of Disability Work in 2015 at the Encompass College of Education and Training.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt felt like a million dollars when I received my certificate,\u201d Naomi said.<\/p>\n
She then decided to push herself a bit further and pursue an advanced diploma qualification.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been doing support work for more than 20 years now,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realised that if I wanted to see change happen in this industry, I should not wait for others to do it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew it was going to be challenging, but I wanted to help change things and make life easier for both support staff and clients.\u201d<\/p>\n
In December 2016, Naomi finished her Advanced Diploma of Disability, with her eyes set on becoming a supervisor one day.<\/p>\n
Unknowingly, she had inspired her daughter Katelyn, 19, to study disability work.<\/p>\n
Early this year, Katelyn enrolled in the course and in September, finished her Certificate IV in Disability.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very proud of her,\u201d Naomi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is not used to doing assignments, it could be a bit daunting for her at times, but I was always there supporting her, reminding her how accomplished she would feel when she finishes the course.\u201d<\/p>\n
Naomi said the trainers and staff at the Encompass College of Education and Training were absolutely supportive.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are guided the whole way through and they are very flexible,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing with other adults, the environment is just really nice – you have a laugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cI developed the confidence to talk in class, which was something I thought I could not do.<\/p>\n
\u201cI learned how to make Powerpoint presentations and I built friendships too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Naomi said she highly recommended Encompass for training.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey celebrate with you, they guide you, they encourage you and they believe in you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust because you\u2019re older, doesn\u2019t mean that you can\u2019t.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did it, and so can you!\u201d<\/p>\n
Encompass College of Education and Training Manager Debi Hope said seeing people achieve where they initially doubted themselves was a great feeling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BEING a single mum in her 40s, with three children and multiple jobs, Naomi Thomas was determined to achieve something more for herself. After overcoming initial self-doubt and various barriers, she earned a Diploma of Disability Work in 2015 at the Encompass College of Education and Training. \u201cIt felt like a million dollars when I […]<\/p>\n