Ruth Brown is proof that it’s never too late for a career change. Ruth studied Individual Support (Ageing) which enabled her to follow her heart and give back to her community.
Soon after completing her Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) with South Regional TAFE, Ruth was offered work with Bethanie Fields in Eaton. She says her work is extremely rewarding.
Ruth decided to change her career because she felt she needed to do something new after working as an Education Support officer. Ruth had been working in schools for several years and wanted a change.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I had thought about aged care,” she said
“One day I was walking and I saw two beautiful old ladies walking together.
“It was a light bulb moment for me and I decided to go into aged care.”
The transition to TAFE training was easy for Ruth who had also completed her Education Support courses at South Regional TAFE.
“I love my job. You have to be a team player,” she said.
“It’s very fast paced but you never get bored.”
“I love the caring side of it. You have a chance to connect with the residents and you have a very important role to play in their lives.
“At Bethanie the nursing staff have stressed how crucially important the roles of the Aged Care workers are in the lives of the residents.”
Mrs Brown said her lecturer Nerrilyn Agius prepared her for the challenges of the industry.
“Through the course you learn everything you need to know and then you go on to do your work placement and gain experience in the industry.
“The training is very professional. Having the NDIS training rooms set-up like an Aged Care facility gives you the practical hands-on experience and it means you are familiar with the set-up and use of equipment when you get into the room,” Ruth said.
Ruth said that although the role is a very busy one, she felt she had a positive work life balance.
“My roster is good and I get to have four days off which means I get some down time.”
Ruth is in the process of completing her Certificate IV in Individual Support (Ageing) at South Regional TAFE
Ruth is pictured in the NDIS training facilities at the Bunbury campus with lecturer Sandy Manchip.
Apply for an Individual Support course and start your study in 2022.