For Emma Evans and Brad Wright, taking the next step wasn’t just about employment, it was about building a future in an industry they genuinely care about.
Both participants in VERTO’s Workforce Australia program in Murwillumbah, Emma and Brad were at different stages in their journey when they connected with the service. Emma joined in October 2024, navigating ongoing hip issues that had impacted her ability to work, while Brad joined in May 2025, already working as an NDIS support worker and studying to become a nature therapist, with a long-term goal of building his own tailored support service.
In February 2026, an opportunity presented itself.
Local education provider ACE Community Colleges contacted VERTO to share that a Certificate III in Individual Support was being offered fully subsidised. Recognising their strong interest in the care sector, their Case Managers, Amanda Kickbusch and Kerrie Stewart, reached out directly to encourage them to take part.
For Emma, the course aligned with her personal experience and passion for caring.
“I’ve had that hands-on experience in my own life, so this just felt right for me,” she said.
For Brad, it was a natural next step in building on the work he was already doing.
“I’m already working in disability and studying Nature Therapy, so this is helping me bring it all together,” he said. “It’s giving me more knowledge and helping me work towards offering a more personalised service.”
With support from VERTO, both participants completed their First Aid and Police Checks, removing key barriers to getting started. While each enrolled in their preferred stream, Brad in Disability and Emma in Ageing at no cost, in agreement with them, VERTO also funded the second stream, giving them the opportunity to build a more well-rounded skill set and open up additional pathways.
“The only reason I wasn’t going to do both was the money,” Brad said. “Having that support made it an easy decision and I’m very grateful.”
VERTO also assisted with work placement polo shirts and additional clothing, ensuring both participants had everything sorted before starting placement.
Since beginning the course, both Emma and Brad have embraced the experience. Studying in a smaller class environment has helped them build connections, engage with the content, and grow in confidence.
“We’re loving it, it’s great,” Emma said. “I’m enjoying the smaller class and the trainer makes it really engaging.”
For Emma, the course has reignited her motivation.
“She’s become much more engaged and is really building her confidence,” Kerrie said. “She’s drawn to the industry because of her own experiences, and you can see that in how she’s developing her skills.”
For Brad, the impact has been just as significant.
“I’m really seeing the value in it,” he said. “The practical side of the course and being face-to-face makes a big difference. It’s making me think about how I can do things better and build something more long-term.”
“Brad was already working in the space, but this has really helped him take things to the next level,” Amanda said. “He’s building connections and gaining a stronger understanding of the industry.”
Both participants have now commenced their work placements, with Emma & Brad both at Opal HealthCare, gaining valuable, hands-on experience in real workplace settings. Brad has also lined up an additional placement in disability to further expand his skills.
“I’m so thankful for everything VERTO has done for me,” Emma said. “It’s been unexpected, but it’s made such a difference.”
Their journey highlights how strong local connections and the right support can open doors, helping people build the skills and confidence to step into a career that genuinely feels right.
If you’re ready to explore training, gain new skills, or move into a new industry, VERTO’s Workforce Australia program can help you get started.
Learn more about Workforce Australia: https://www.verto.org.au/employment-services/workforce-australia
