TWENTY four students have graduated with not only a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) but with a new view on how they view their career.
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The ceremony was held at the Taree Visitor Information Centre for both the Taree and Tuncurry campus, Camden Haven Community College students.
Graduate Candice Taylor (Taree campus) spoke on how students defined aged care on their first day, compared to the end of the course.
“Some said it was about tending to their needs and wants as if they were our children,” Candice said.
“But now we see it’s about putting a smile on their face, bringing sunshine to their day, helping with everyday living and respecting their independence.”
Graduate Sharon Hood (Tuncurry campus) said, “I feel like we gained so much more than education, we gained valuable life lessons”.
QVE manager Veronica Paterson said 19 of the graduates have already gained employment.
“Many of the students are disadvantaged being long term unemployed or having other barriers and their achievement today is wonderful,” Veronica said.
“With the growing demand for care support workers on the Mid North Coast all of the graduates are expected to be working in the very near future.”
Students completed workplace experience at Bushland Health Group (Taree and Old Bar), Estia Health (Tuncurry, Forster and Taree), GLAICA House (Tuncurry), Kularoo Gardens (Forster) and Whiddon Group (Wingham).
Graduate Natalie Brien, 18, of Old Bar has gained employment with Banyula Village.
Natalie was determined to work in aged care and spent six months volunteering at Banyula once a week and doing activities with the residents.
“I love seeing their big smiles and how much they appreciate what we do,” Natalie said.
“They tell you how much they appreciate it – even if they can’t speak, they show it.
“It gives you so much confidence.”
Eventually, Natalie would like to become a Registered Nurse and then a paramedic.
But for now, she just loves her job.
“You do have to be thick-skinned – but you have got to love the job.”