Learning and Giving Back

WORDS Atwea College

Wanting a career change, Ken enrolled in the Certificate III in Individual Support Disability with Atwea College in 2021. This course prepared him to work with the disabled, covering topics such as the legal and ethical implications when working, the human body, access and inclusion for the participant, family and carers, First Aid, CPR and Work Health and Safety procedures.

Ken currently runs his own electrical business; however, the physical side of the job is becoming more difficult. The opportunity to help someone improve their quality of life appealed to him.

Ken had four lessons in the classroom before COVID hit and forced him to resume his studies with Atwea online through Canvas and Zoom. Although Ken preferred to learn in a classroom environment, he was able to complete the course online with support from the staff at Atwea, his sister and his daughter.

At the moment, Ken is doing both his electrical work and his disability support work. As he winds down his electrical business, he hopes to work more in the disability sector. He is also learning how to be a swimming teacher and hopes to teach people with challenges in their own life how to swim.

He chose to study at Atwea for the availability and affordability and looks forward to a happy and healthy future. Ken believes a successful day is when he is a good father, has a meaningful day with a participant, and he is confident, happy and treats people in the way he would like to be treated. He volunteers for Surfing the Spectrum in his spare time, where he takes kids on the spectrum surfing. It’s a fun day for the children, parents and volunteers. He believes the ocean to be a place of healing.