2019-Wesley-Mission-Annual-Report - Flipbook - Page 14
Good news
and great joy for Paula
After a lengthy–and often
difficult–journey as a single mum
of two, including a child with
additional needs, Paula was
offered the job of her dreams in
aged care.
Paula’s path to employment began with a visit to
Wesley Mission’s ParentsNext in Wyong, a program
designed to help parents successfully enter or
re-enter the workforce by the time their children
start school.
The initiative gives parents access to a range of
practical activities and services in the local
community, from training opportunities and career
advice, to parent support groups, assistance with
writing resumes and even providing transport to
attend an interview.
But after years of struggling as a single mum, Paula
arrived at Wesley ParentsNext without much hope
that anything would change.
“I was referred to ParentsNext by Centrelink, but to
be honest I didn’t expect to get much out of my first
day at the program because of my family situation,”
Paula said. “Being a sole parent and having a child
with special needs can make finding employment
difficult.”
14
Despite Paula’s initial hesitation, Nikki from Wesley
ParentsNext sat down with her and explained all the
ways the program could assist her family. As Nikki
shared the options available, Paula noticed a flyer
offering the opportunity to train in aged care.
Juggling the demands of her training, while also
caring for her children, was always going to be
difficult for Paula. However, when she told her
extended family about the opportunity, they offered
to do everything they could to help her succeed.
“I nearly jumped out of the chair when I saw the
opportunity to train in aged care,” Paula said. “It’s
the job I’ve always wanted. I love being able to help
people who really need it and put a smile on their
face if I can.”
“I have an amazing family and everyone helped me
with school drop-offs and looking after the kids,”
Paula said. “Having that circle of people offering
their help so I could complete the course made it all
happen. It was a real team effort.”
With the help of the team at Wesley ParentsNext,
Paula was invited to attend an interview with Wesley
Vocational Institute (WVI) just a few days later to
discuss future possibilities and employment goals.
Paula worked incredibly hard throughout her
training. Len wasn’t surprised she was offered a
permanent role at her workplace.
It was there she met Wesley Training Group
Manager, Len, who is tasked with choosing suitable
candidates for the training and offering work
placements with local employers. Len sensed
something special about Paula’s passion and
determination for a role in aged care.
“We had a formal interview with two managers from
the facility and me. I asked Paula a few questions
about what she’d like to do in the future,” Len said.
After the consultation the employer selected her to
undertake a Wesley Workforce Development
Training Course.
“I could tell she was very determined to find
employment and so I quickly organised for her to
train on-site with a local aged care provider as she
studied for her Certificate III in Individual Support,”
Len said.
“When Paula first arrived at WVI, I could tell she felt
nervous and a bit intimidated by everything that was
going on,” Len said. “She had no training and no
qualifications. All she had was the determination to
create a better life. Over the course of her study and
work placement, she has really grown in confidence.
Now she stands tall and sees a real future for herself
and her children. It’s been quite a remarkable
transformation!”
Paula said she was thankful for the support shown
by everyone–from her family through to Len, Nikki
and the team at Wesley ParentsNext.
“Without my family and Wesley ParentsNext, I
wouldn’t be where I am now,” Paula said. “I wouldn’t
have had this opportunity. This job will change
everything for our family. Plus, it will improve my
emotional and mental wellbeing and help me be a
good role model for my kids.”
15