After three years of unsuccessful job searching, Lina Stiller studied online and has started a career she cares about.
In her home country, Papua New Guinea, Lina worked in retail for many years.
When she moved to Darwin in 2017, she began searching for a job in the industry but had no luck.
“I have a lot of experience as a shop assistant and an assistant manager.
“I applied so many times, in Big W, Kmart and other places and nothing came back to me,” she said.
Not able to find the right job, Lina found work as a cleaner while she continued to look for other employment.
While she combed the internet for opportunities, she came across an online course in aged care.
The training was available through Skills for Education and Employment (SEE).
It was an 18-week course that studied a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support with STEPS Education and Training College.
Lina said she immediately thought it was meant to be.
This was because she discovered she had a passion for working with seniors when she previously volunteered in a social support role.
She said she thought she would be well suited to work in aged care.
“I’d really like to get this job because it was my talent or gift.
“I’d really like to look after older people,” Lina said.
She said once she enrolled in the course, she put all her time and effort into studying.
“I quit my cleaning job and stayed home and was really concentrating on my course.”
Working diligently paid off because after Lina completed her work placement, she was offered a role in aged care.
Lina said she was very happy in her new job.
She said because of her training and the extra support she received from her trainer she was confident in her knowledge and skill.
Lina had had no experience with online learning before but said she was glad she made the decision to study remotely.
She said English is her second language and her trainer tailored the course for her when she needed additional support.
“I wouldn’t have completed my course and be where I am without Tanya.”
“She is a very open-hearted person,” Lina said.
Lina’s online trainer from STEPS, Tanya Mathews, was not surprised that Lina found employment so quickly.
“Lina was really committed to her study, right from the start.
“She wanted to work with vulnerable people in the community and gain secure employment to support herself and her family.
“Her commitment and attitude to her care role has created this success for herself and is why she was hired from her placement,” she said.
Tanya said being a part of Lina’s learning journey and seeing her growth and success was a highlight.
“Not only did I see progression in Lina with her study but what was really beautiful to see was that she advanced her skillset considerably in her language and literacy.
“Lina’s confidence level when she finished was outstanding, she knew her job and she knew what she was required to do,” Tanya said.
If you are interested in studying a CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support, check your eligibility by contacting training@stepsgroup.com.au or call 1300 131 965.
