Like many high school students Tatjana Sewell had no idea what her future would look like as she approached the end of 13 years of schooling.
She had thought about nursing as a career but knew she probably wouldn’t achieve the marks to get into university.
“I had not really thought about university because I knew I wouldn’t get the marks,” she said.
“But I went to the University of Wollongong Bega campus and was told about the Certificate IV in Aged Care traineeship program and how I could use it to transition into a nursing degree.”
Tatjana applied and was accepted and she says her career pathways have now opened up.
“I wasn’t nervous about starting the program. I knew the study wouldn’t be too bad and I liked the idea of being able to work in the industry while I was studying,” she said.
“I had actually never even considered working in aged care but I liked the idea of the traineeship because it would get me job ready and give me experience.”
And she has even surprised herself at how much she enjoys working with the aged care residents, even as one of the youngest members in her cohort.
“It’s different to what I expected and I really like it,” she said.
“It’s not just the industry experience I’m getting but more working with the residents that I enjoy.”
The program allows students to work in different areas and apply their theoretical knowledge to practical experience every two weeks.
“We do a different unit every two weeks. We learn the theory in class every Friday, complete our workbooks at home and then our skills are assessed every month,” she said.
“I just completed my medication unit and have been able to apply what I learned by helping with administering medication to the residents.”
Her school friends have even been inspired by Tatjana’s own experience as part of the program.
“One of my good friends hasn’t gone into nursing yet but she told me she wished she could what I’m doing,” Tatjana said.
“I’m now really considering going on to do my Bachelor of Nursing through the UOW Bega campus.
“I think the advantage of doing a traineeship like this is that you can really get a good perspective of the work before going into it, you can see what you would be doing when you finish a nursing degree.
“I love working with the residents and hearing their stories, it is really fulfilling.
“It can be sad, and there are a lot of mixed emotions, but it is very satisfying, and you become attached to do doing the work.
“The staff at the facility and the trainers at UOW College support you through all the events that happen and in that way it is better than going straight into a university degree because you don’t have to wait three or four years to experience everything that is part of nursing.”
Learn more about the Traineeship Opportunities available at UOW College.
Tatjana Sewell
CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support Trainee
UOW College Australia (RTO: 91159)