This was the case for Maureen Scott, who thought she was secure in her job with Murray Goulburn prior to it closing two years ago.
‘‘I’d worked there for 23 years and all of a sudden I didn’t,’’ Maureen said.
‘‘They just came in one day and told us Murray Goulburn was closing down. It really was scary.
‘‘They supported us in the way that they got us to meet with support services such as Centrelink and let me work for six weeks, but then I had nothing.’’
She thought all was lost.
‘‘I was 59 years old, I knew I couldn’t retire, that wasn’t an option,’’ she said.
‘‘But I also didn’t think anyone would employ someone of my age.’’
Her luck finally changed when Maureen spotted an advertisement in the Campaspe News for a traineeship at Rochester and Elmore District Health Service (REDHS).
‘‘I started off my working career when I was younger at the kitchen at REDHS. So that connection made me want to apply and give this a try,’’ she said.
‘‘This was an ad for a Personal Care Assistant traineeship which included attending classes as well as on-the-job training.
‘‘I went through the process of interviewing and everything and I didn’t think I’d do well at all.’’
She was successful in her application and thus her career change began.
‘‘Having the benefit of on-the-job training was invaluable as it backed up precisely what was being taught in the classroom,’’ Maureen said.
‘‘The support, training and advice given to me by the clinical educator reinforced the practical and written aspects of the job.
‘‘Her knowledge and understanding was a valuable back-up and her door was always open.’’
Maureen worked her way through and has now secured contracted hours with the hospital and is enjoying every minute of it.
‘‘After I completed my traineeship there was a period where there weren’t hours available for me to continue working with them at the time,’’ she said.
‘‘But when I saw them advertised and I ran into Mark Gally in the street I was just so excited.
‘‘I told him I was finally coming home.’’
And for anyone thinking of joining the team at REDHS? Maureen said don’t think twice.
‘‘I would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone to take up a traineeship if one became available at REDHS,’’ she said.
‘‘The experience was positive and certainly gave me the advantage whilst training.’’
‘‘And I want to encourage anyone to take up any opportunity that pops up. You’re never too old for a career change and I think that’s so important to remember.’’
REDHS are set to advertise another traineeship later this year.
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