Narre Warren’s Naheema Wahed is one of many migrants taking advantage of free aged care courses in Melbourne’s South East.
Migrant settlement agency AMES Australia is delivering refugees and migrants with the certificate courses to set them on a stable career path, in a sector that is experiencing a shortage of workers.
Mrs Wahed was employed by Waverley Hill Aged Care just a few months after starting her Certificate III course in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community).
“The course was very useful, it was really great. After just a month of going on a placement at a nursing home, I was offered a job,” said Mrs Wahed.
She is still studying to complete her certificate, but is also able to work four days a week
“The course is very thorough. It teaches you all of the practical skills you need to support elderly people in care,” she said.
“And it offers placements in nursing homes which is a pathway into a job.”
Mrs Wahed arrived in Australia in 1999 from Afghanistan, but said she has struggled to find fulfilling work until enrolling in the aged care course.
AMES teacher Anita Matthew said Mrs Wahed has excelled in her studies.
“She has done us all proud and is doing very well. She is working and finishing her studies,” she said.
“Once she has completed her certificate, she will become a Team Leader.”
Anyone interested in finding out about a course can call 13 26 37 or go to ames.net.au/courses/chc33015-certificate-iii-in-individual-support
