Aside from her husband, VICSEG student Particia Yulianti did not know a single soul in Melbourne when she migrated from her native Indonesia little over one year ago. But now she has a whole tribe of supportive friends to lean on thanks to her experience studying the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) with New Futures Training in Epping!

It was the diversity of her student cohort that offered the biggest source of common ground, says Particia, reflecting on her learning adventure.

“From the first time we were coming together, we got to know each other, and it’s like we all had the same goals. We were going to do the course and finish the course. It was like this family thing built up with us. We became close,” Particia said.

“Sometimes we’d have a gathering and eat food together, eating together and share the experience. We all came from diverse backgrounds which was really a common thing we shared – that we’re all different. We shared that experience of coming from somewhere different,” she said.

Group chats established on WhatsApp are a common theme in VICSEG classes, and Particia says her own cohort’s chat has continued beyond the completion of placement in December last year.

“Whatever happens, whatever we learn, we update that in the group. Good news, too! Like if somebody gets a job or something like that, they share. I’ve even learned a lot about living in Melbourne from them. How to get places, what’s where, that sort of stuff. After placement, we are still all hanging out!”

Particia’s studies were a blend of theoretical classes delivered via Microsoft Teams and practical classes delivered in a state-of-the-art simulation lab at VICSEG New Futures’ Epping campus.

“The blended class gave me flexibility which was really good,” Particia said.

“And in the training campus we had the proper skills lab and everything. So, it wasn’t just learning from imagination, like reading a piece of paper and thinking how to use a machine (e.g., mechanical hoist). Instead, we really got to get into it, to use the machine, and do all the training hands-on. Our trainer, Stella, really helped us. Because we all came from different backgrounds, and some of us have English as a second language, Stella was just so patient! If we didn’t understand, she’d explain again and again until she could see we understand. I don’t have that big patience like Stella! And she has a big heart. There’s this enthusiasm that she brings to the class, always smiling. Even if we’re a bit stressed, Stella will make us just happy suddenly with the vibes that she brings”.

This learning experience left Particia well prepared for placement which she undertook with Moran Aged Care in Roxburgh Park.

“When I did my placement, I really loved it. I love doing the placement because in the placement, they really give the students opportunity, as much as they could take. Talking to them (Moran Aged Care staff), having a good conversation with them, they were a great help to us, like teaching us how to do this. Even sometimes they were sharing about the computer things, like all the documentation that needs to get filled out. They were teaching us. Even though we’re not sure that we’d (end up) working there, they still gave us that support. It was a great environment,” Particia said.

Particia’s commitment throughout placement was rewarded with employment success! She was invited to sit an interview with Moran in January where she now works as an assistant in nursing (AIN). Moran are already investing more deeply in Particia’s career through work-based training in dispensing medication to residents.

With a new aged care career, Particia believes she’s in the right place.

“I love to care for people and look after people. Every resident, they have different needs. Some of the residents, they’re really lovely actually. We have to build the trust with them. When they trust us, it’s always going to be easier. Then you really get to learn their stories. Each resident has a different story. Some are sad, some are happy, but just getting to be with them, have a chat with them, share a story with them, it’s really good for them. And it’s good for me too. It gives me a happy feeling. Happy vibes,” she said.