Trainees boost Illawarra aged care workforce
Rhys Towle and Jadya Amidzovski are passionate about their roles as aged care trainees for IRT Tarrawanna Aged Centre. The two are among 27 other aged care trainees who have joined IRT’s traineeship program over the past year.
Over a minimum 12-month period, the aged care trainees complete a Certificate III in Individual Support or Certificate IV in Ageing Support while gaining valuable on-the-job experience as direct care workers. They can also count on securing ongoing employment with IRT upon successful completion of the traineeship.
This year, Rhys will study for his Certificate IV in Ageing Support after first joining the traineeship program in February 2021 and successfully completing his Certificate III in Individual Support.
“I used to do carpentry and I didn’t like it much. My mum is a nurse and a friend’s mum is an aged care nurse and I found it interesting. Since I found the traineeship with IRT, I haven’t looked back,” Rhys said.
Rhys says he enjoys spending time with older people and supporting them. He believes one of the most important parts of what he does as an aged care worker is helping to create purpose for the people he supports as well as making them smile.
“I think the residents really enjoy my joking side. I’m not serious all the time and I love to give them a good laugh,” Rhys said.
“I’m really happy with what I’m doing right now for my job.”
Jayda is a first year trainee and is completing her Certificate III in Individual Support and Ageing. She believes that aged care is one of the most rewarding careers to pursue in the healthcare sector.
“Nothing is more rewarding than being met by a big smile from someone whose life you have helped make better. Being able to make a positive impact on someone’s life by assisting in their everyday activities or even simply being a friendly face in their life is the most important part of my work,” Jayda said.
Jayda sees the traineeship as the first step in her future nursing career.
“When the traineeship was referred to me I instantly applied. It gives me the opportunity to gain experience in the industry while completing my Certificate III. My end goal is to become a Registered Nurse.”
Upon successful completion of the program, trainees are offered a position with IRT and supported in furthering their education and working towards career goals. Further education could include medication competency or a Certificate IV in Ageing Support or Leisure and Health. Cadetships to complete a Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing are also available as well as a Graduate program for newly graduated or soon to graduate Registered Nurses.
IRT is interested in hearing from enthusiastic and caring people with a genuine interest in a rewarding career in aged care. Full-time traineeship opportunities are available throughout the year across IRT aged care centres in the Illawarra, Sydney, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, the ACT and South East Queensland. For more information visit: https://staging.irt.org.au/careers-study/careers-at-irt/traineeships/
Media enquiries: Hannah Ellson 0429 361 627 | engage@irt.org.au
General enquiries: 134 478
About IRT Group:
IRT Group is one of Australia’s largest community-owned, not-for-profit providers of retirement living, residential aged care and home care. With more than 50 years’ experience and locations throughout NSW, the ACT and South East Queensland, we employ almost 2800 people and play a significant role in promoting seniors as dynamic, influential and valuable members of society.