Forbes local and TAFE NSW student Cindy Smith, is using her education as a powerful tool to empower people with disabilities to express their desires and gain independence.

Ms Smith never considered being a support carer as a career path for herself but since a friend recommended she apply for a job in the field, she has never looked back.

Armed with her Certificate III in Individual Support and now pursuing her Certificate IV in Disability Support, she is on a mission to help her clients break free from rigid schedules that often limit their true needs.

Ms Smith has been working with Currajong Disability Services for nearly 12 months now.

"Working with Currajong I have learnt all about empowerment and advocacy and Currajong is all about what the clients want as it's important for everybody to have their own voice," Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith appreciates that she is able to do a diverse range of activities with clients.

"There's a fishing group, cooking classes, a music and art room and every year Currajong enter in art competitions and the participants will all help do an art piece and put it in an art show, there's just so much," she said.

"Every Tuesday we do indoor bowls, once a month we go to the bowling alley in Orange, we go to the indoor swimming pool and we venture out to the Parkes Swimming Pool in the summer."

There is currently an urgent demand for skilled disability support workers with jobs projected to increase by 128,000 by 2025.

Support workers are vital in the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), offering tailored care to a diverse range of people in need, including those with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and mental health challenges.

After completing her Certificate IV Ms Smith aspires to complete a Diploma in Mental Health and a Diploma in Community Service.

"Mental health is probably my favourite area of my job, it's very challenging and I like a challenge," she said.

TAFE NSW is playing a vital role in equipping professionals like Ms Smith, helping to shape a diverse and capable workforce that uplifts regional NSW and makes a meaningful impact in their communities.

Ms Smith credits her training at TAFE NSW for enabling her to go beyond basic care and provide support to her clients.

"The TAFE course was really good, it taught you everything from understanding disabilities, health and wellbeing, communication development, legal and ethical responsibilities, work place health and safety, personal centered care, support and assistance and also empowerment and advocacy," Ms Smith said.

"I totally recommend the job to anybody that wants a career change. It's a very rewarding position, being able to empower people to advocate for themselves and learning how to assist people with personal care, mobility, and communication support, it's very rewarding."