My Career: Tradie makes the switch to disability sector
Former fencer Brenton Hardy from regional Victoria got his start in disability after spotting an ad in his local paper and says it suited him 'to a tee'.
Brenton Hardy had been working as a fencer for close to a decade since he left school when he was forced to take six months off.
He had worked on farms, residential homes, power stations and even on a zebra enclosure at the Melbourne Zoo, travelling by car to reach work around the state.
But when Brenton, who lives with his partner and three kids in regional Victoria, was left without wheels temporarily, it was time to reassess.
A friend, another fencer, who he worked with on rural properties introduced him to the idea of disability support work.
“He had worked in disability and was going back to it,” Brenton said.
“He said, 'if it ever comes up, go for it, it’ll suit you to a tee'.”
An ad in the local paper caught Brenton’s eye and he got his first job in disability support last year.
Part of what sparked his interest in the sector was also personal.
Brenton explained his eldest son had learning difficulties and attended a special school.
“I definitely learnt a lot (in his first support role), but the patience I had from having my son with a disability,” he said.
“Sometimes you have to communicate differently but at the end of the day they want to be treated like anyone else.
“That is one of the key things you have got to always remember.”
Since entering the disability sector, Brenton has not been short of work and is enjoying a steady income, along with shifts that mean he can get to school pick-ups.
“I’m working more but it seems like I’m home more with the kids because of the hours,” he said.
“A couple of shifts I do are active nights, it’s worked out really well.”
As for the work itself, there's nothing like being able to “brighten up someone’s day”, Brenton said.
“The opportunity to help people and get them out in the community, it’s really good.
“I wish I’d got into it a lot sooner because of the enjoyment I get out of it.”
Brenton is now keen to forge a career in the sector and is half way through studying for a Certificate 3 in Disability and Support at TAFE.
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