Paid traineeship leads student to a job in Aged Care

Kangan Institute student Alexandra Hunt completed her Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) traineeship at the Village Aged Care Residence in Capel Sound on the Mornington Peninsula, and successfully secured a permanent part-time position at the same institution thereafter.

Alexandra says she was ready for a change when she landed the opportunity.

“I had been cleaning private homes on the Mornington Peninsula for six years and was looking for a change in my life. I wanted to progress into getting a career in the healthcare field,” the 30-year-old said.

Her big break came when Alexandra saw an advertisement on the local jobs board, indicating that the Village Glen was offering a paid traineeship in aged care. She contacted them for an interview and the rest, is history. 

Paid traineeships are opportunities provided to students to learn practical skills with an employer as well as formal learning with an approved provider, leading to a recognised qualification that can be widely used. On such traineeships, students get on-the-job training with an employer, while they study and get paid.

Alexandra says she greatly appreciates the benefits that came with the traineeship.

“While on the traineeship, you are on the floor in the facility where you get to learn with your eyes. I feel that this gives you a better picture of what the job entails rather than just online study,” she said.

“It was also great to be able to earn a wage while doing the traineeship.

“I was able to still help support our family finances and to pay daycare fees for my two-year-old so I could attend classes and complete the traineeship.”

Alexandra started her traineeship in March 2022 and completed it in December 2022. She also received an Employee of the Month award whilst doing her training.

Alexandra attributes her great progress so far to Kangan Institute.

“Kangan Institute had great teachers (especially Judy Cooke). They were very informative, always supportive and had a very straightforward learning platform online,” she said.

Alexandra now aspires to do her Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) and is keen to see where the next chapter of her education takes her. For now, she enjoys and continues to commit to her aged care work at the Village Glen, caring for some of Australia’s elderly.