In August 2024, after spending her entire working career in hospitality, Sarah Stratford knew it was time to pursue the career that she’d always wanted in aged care, and began studying for her Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021.
She started to google aged care courses in her local area.
“I knew I didn’t want to do it solely online. I’m not very computer savvy and it was the first time I’d studied since high school, and I felt quite daunted by it to be honest.”
She found NV College online and rang up.
“I’d worked in pubs and cafes, both locally and in Europe, and I finally felt I was in a place that I could change careers.”
Sarah’s interest in becoming a carer comes from her personal experience. Her mother has dementia and is an aged care facility. Sarah knows what important work carers do and wanted to make other people’s lives better.
“I talked with Amanda and she was amazing. From talking to her, I knew I could go to the college and study on my days off from my work. It all just felt really easy and that it was the right fit for me. I started my learning the very next week.”
Sarah undertook 120 hours of work placement at a local aged care facility in Macksville. She did one day a week, buddied with two aged carers. The first week she just shadowed the carers but by the end of her course she was completely confident with lifters, feeding residents and so many other aspects of a carer’s role.
“I know how important the job is, and the impact a carer can make to a person’s life. It really can make someone’s day by the care you deliver, how you talk to them and make them feel. I was conscious when I was training that I thought of mum and to always do the best job I can. It’s rewarding work.”
It took Sarah just six months to complete her training.
“Our trainer Jacqui was amazing. She was always there, always encouraging me.”
She added, “The most difficult part of it all was just starting. The study wasn’t stressful, despite my initial concern. I’m not the best on computer and NV College provided textbooks and made the learning easy and enjoyable.’
Five weeks ago, Sarah graduated and is ready to take a role in aged care.
“I enjoyed studying so much I would like to do my Certificate IV at some stage too.”
Why study with NV College?
If you’ve ever considered a career in care, NV College offers Care Ready courses. Care Ready is NV College’s pre-employment short course, which prepares our students for what a career in care might look like for them with hands on work experience included. The courses run regularly in Coffs Harbour and in Macksville for six days across two weeks.
We also offer Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021 online and face to face. Contact us on training@nvcollege.edu.au or call 1300 655 224 for more information.
Make a difference and enter into a rewarding career today!