Trainees who took part in the Aged Care Traineeship Program shared their experiences and learnings from participating in the program.

Ben’s Story

Ronnie’s Story

Shaun’s Story

What were you doing before this traineeship?

Before this job I worked in supported employment. I had great friends there, but it was the same thing every day, I worked there for 6 years. I was a team leader, I worked really hard, but I lost interest, I was teased by the employees and the pay was terrible. I earnt $6 hour, it started at $2.20 an hour, I lost my self-respect and my dignity.

How are you finding the traineeship?

This job as a trainee in aged care has shown me that I am better than that. I now have more self-respect, because of what I do and what I am paid. 

Our clients have lost their independence, once, they would have been able to dress and shower themselves. We give them back some of that independence and I just really love that. Giving back to the community has given me so much confidence, I feel really empowered. Before, I wasn’t that good at thinking on my feet and showing initiative, now I don’t need to be asked, I know what needs to be done and I do it, and if I’ve finished my tasks, I help the other team.

What are your future plans for employment?

Now I am happy, I wouldn’t give up this job for anything. In the future, I will be doing what I am doing into 2023 and beyond.

A man with wavy brown hair, glasses, and a short beard smiles slightly while looking at the camera. He is wearing a light blue button-up shirt. The background features large, colourful blocks in bright pink and blue tones.

Khalil’s Story

A person with shoulder-length dark hair smiles while seated indoors. They are wearing a colourful shirt featuring vintage-style comic book art. The background shows wooden shelves and tables, suggesting a library or study space.

What were you doing before this traineeship?

Before this traineeship I was a cleaner and I also worked for a short time in a supermarket and a pharmacy. I wasn’t happy and I had trouble with my communication, I was scared to talk with my co-workers and I felt mute. It is hard with my intellectual disability and with English as a second language. It leads to misunderstanding when I translate for myself and it feels uneasy.

How are you finding the traineeship?

From day one, this job has felt different, I started to feel mature, to take initiative, to work hard and use my curiosity to get to know the job.

I have got more confident by talking to the residents, it’s like I am talking to my great grandmother.  I care for them with open arms and with understanding and respect for the past and present.

What are your future plans for employment?

I won’t give up and I won’t be left behind. I want to finish my traineeship and then keep learning and working in disability or aged care. I want to use my communication skills more, I don’t want to be scared. I want to break the stigma for immigrants with an intellectual disability, I want to be an advocate and help them connect and build friendships.