By University of Wollongong student Zachary Houtenville
Support care is a thriving sector in the Illawarra, with lots of job opportunities. For university students looking for a part-time job, helping those in need is compelling alternative to bartending.
Personally, I’ve done nearly every job open to young people, from lengthy warehouse shifts to waiting tables in restaurants. All are useful ways to earn money. However, support work offers a different set of benefits.
“We work with a diverse client base, ranging in age, background and, of course, disability which means no two days are the same,” said Xavier Smith, a University of Wollongong student, studying finance and ecology and conservation biology. Xavier has worked as a disability support worker at Absolute Coastal Care for two years.
“Every shift presents its unique challenges and rewards, with boredom being a distant concept in the industry.
“It's also nice being able to build connections with individuals.”
So, what exactly does each shift look like? Well, that’s the beauty of it, every day can be different.
“Given the nature of my role, every day varies depending on day, time and client’s needs,” Xavier said.
“In most cases, my day will begin with breakfast preparation, along with prompting my client to undertake basic hygiene practices like brushing teeth and showering.
“After this, we may head into the community for a meal, a game of bowling or a haircut.”
Support care work can help prepare you for future work post-university.
Sebastian Melki, who is studying a Bachelor of Pre-medicine and has worked in the aged care sector at CatholicCare for two and a half years, says: “I hope to work as a healthcare professional and working as a carer has helped me to understand the concept of empathy, problem solving and collaboration.
“I believe that being able to work with multiple different people is essential in the healthcare field and these skills I have obtained through my work as a carer can definitely be used in my future endeavours.”
Support care develops valuable skills that benefit students across degrees, including non-healthcare fields. As a Journalism major, my involvement in support care has significantly improved my interpersonal and communication abilities.
“With the job being primarily an independent one, we are able to effectively gain skills like communication, record keeping and time management skills,” Xavier said.
“These qualities allow us to adapt, and easily overcome challenges other industries may present.
“Working with vulnerable people also gives us compassion and empathetic skills, along with patience, a trait that is highly sought out in the professional world.”
The local health care and social assistance sector has grown from about 13,000 employees in 2016 to almost 17,000 in 2021, according to Wollongong City Council’s community profile.
Jobs in the sector regularly appear in employment advertisements. On July 17, when checking job search site Indeed, I found 19 available positions for casual work, with starting rates from about $30 to $40 an hour.
For university students looking for part-time or casual work, support care presents an opportunity to have a stable income while gaining valuable experience.
“I would definitely recommend this job for uni students, even to those who aren’t going into a health and care career,” Sebastian said.
“It is a great way to make a stable income during study and also provides you with life experience.”
