Trainee Stories
Our trainees share their experiences and learnings since starting this traineeship.
Ben
Ronnie
Shaun
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.
Khalil
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.