Paul Dalgleish – Certificate III in Individual Support (Classroom)
For most of my working life, I drove heavy trucks and worked in warehousing. Before that, I served in the Australian Army. Over the years, I was diagnosed with PTSD and mild BPD, and life became increasingly challenging. I was living in poverty and struggling to see a way forward.
With support from my disability employment provider, Interact Australia, my case worker encouraged me to enrol in the Certificate III in Individual Support at CCG. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
When I started, I had never used a computer and was completely unfamiliar with digital technology. Other than using a mobile phone, I didn’t know how to send emails or type a document. The CCG Learn Local team patiently helped me build my digital skills from the ground up through their Digital Literacy for Adults program. They even provided me with a computer so I could complete my studies. For the first four to five months, I didn’t have internet access at home, so I came into CCG to do my coursework and homework. I also received Literacy and Numeracy support, which gave me the skills and confidence to reach the required level for the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability Stream). Without that support, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to continue.
Walking into a classroom after more than 40 years away from school was intimidating. Memories of being bullied at school came flooding back, and I wasn’t sure I belonged. My trainer, Sharon Mumford, made all the difference. She treated me with respect, understood my circumstances, and patiently helped me understand the course content and academic expectations. Her calm and encouraging approach gave me the confidence to keep going.
Studying Individual Support has changed the way I see people. I’ve learnt to be more confident in speaking to other people, empathetic and understanding the challenges others face. The course has been life-changing, not only because of what I’ve learnt, but because it has given me hope for the future.
My goal is to secure a job in the individual support sector so I can break the cycle of poverty and build a more stable future. After living in a cabin for over 14 months, I also hope to find a decent place to live, improve my quality of life, and enjoy a secure retirement.
CCG has given me more than an education; it has given me confidence, practical skills, and the belief that it’s never too late to start again.
