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    Media release

    TAFE NSW Maitland | 30 October 2025

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    Maitland local swaps hard hat for helping hand

    “The course so far has helped me see things from the viewpoint of the person receiving support, understanding their priorities, what dignity and respect look like in everyday care”

    David Robertson, TAFE NSW graduate

    A former manufacturing worker and brick labourer has made the leap into disability support at a time when demand for skilled workers in the care and support economy is growing.

    36-year-old David Robertson from Maitland had long considered a career in disability support but didn’t feel ready to take the step. When his manufacturing employer shut down earlier this year, he decided it was time to act.

    David is now completing a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at TAFE NSW Maitland and has already secured local employment in the industry. According to the 2024 State of the Disability Sector Report, more than half of the surveyed disability service providers plan to grow their workforce, highlighting the urgent need for skilled professionals like David.

    David Robertson, a former TAFE NSW student, wearing a black shirt and sporting a beard.

    David said training in a new industry has already shifted his perspective. “The course so far has helped me see things from the viewpoint of the person receiving support, understanding their priorities, what dignity and respect look like in everyday care.”

    Disability support work is about more than just physical support, it is about enabling independence, safeguarding dignity, and giving people choice and connection. As Australia’s population ages and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) expands its community-based care model, there is a strong need for compassionate, skilled support workers.

    “Once I started at TAFE NSW, I never looked back. To anyone considering changing careers or taking up disability support work, I would say take the leap. The first step is the hardest, but the reward is meaningful work,” David said.

    Jemah Kalisz, TAFE NSW Individual Support (Disability) Teacher said David is a great example of how vocational education and training can open doors to new opportunities.

    “David has brought his strong work ethic into the classroom and paired it with empathy and compassion. It’s inspiring to see students like him discover their potential and build careers that not only change their own lives but also make a difference in the lives of others,” Mrs Kalisz said.

    David’s local employment in Maitland will bring essential disability support skills to the community while helping to ease the local demand for skilled workers.

    Media contact: Rachel Ecclestone, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.



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