For 11 years, Candice Holmberg raised her four children as a stay home mum. When she was ready to return to the workforce, Candice aimed for a career that suited her empathetic nature and today, she is making a difference in one of Victoria’s most in-demand sectors.
A personal care assistant (PCA) at Aveo’s Kennington Gardens Retirement Village in Bendigo, Candice was drawn to this role not only because it appealed to her nature, but also due to abundant job opportunities.
“My sister works in aged care and encouraged me to enrol and work in the field,” Candice said.
“I have an empathetic nature and have always loved talking to the elderly. I heard there was a shortage of PCAs so of course I jumped at the opportunity.”
In order to start working in the sector, Candice enrolled in Bendigo TAFE’s Certificate III In Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) (CHC33015), a course designed to provide learners with skills to start working as personal care workers in care settings.
Completing the program in six months, Candice was ready to start her new life as a PCA.
“It (the course) prepared me greatly. I had been working for a month or two and a couple of my colleagues couldn't believe I was fresh out of my course. They said they thought I'd been a PCA for years,” the 35-year-old shared.
“Working with our high care residents at the time was a breeze because of the fantastic, hands-on learning at TAFE. I felt so comfortable and prepared going into my job.”
(Individual support graduate Candice Holmberg)
Now assisting independent living residents, Candice’s typical day involves supporting them with day-to-day needs, from starting their day to assisting with meals and medication.
Her favourite part of the job is connecting with the very people she’s supporting.
“I'm lucky because we have the time to sit down with the residents and chat with them,” Candice said.
“It's a very sociable role. It's so important to look after their emotional wellbeing as well as the physical. There's never a dull moment and every day is different! That's what I love about it.”
Just shy of two years in the role, Candice said her personal experience as a PCA has been vastly different from common myths about the job.
“A common misconception is that aged care is all about assistance with daily living and that's it. That's not the case at all,” she said.
“To be in this field, you must have the ability to listen and open yourself up to people… you open yourself up to the residents and they give you the openness and respect back tenfold. You will be surprised with what you experience.”
According to a 2021 report from National Skills Commission, Australia’s care sector is expected to require double the workforce and as a result, face a shortfall of 211,430 workers by 2050.
Similarly, the 2022 Victorian Skills Plan has identified the ‘care economy’ as one of the fastest growing sectors in Victoria facing specific challenges meeting labour and skills needs.
Bendigo TAFE Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain said TAFE is a great stepping stone for individuals wanting to start working within aged care and other in-demand sectors in Victoria.
“Bendigo TAFE is committed to delivering the skills that our community acutely needs, with our Health and Community Centre of Excellence offering vital training to meet the urgent needs of the care economy,” Sally said.
“Our individual support program is more than just a qualification; at Bendigo TAFE, our students learn hands-on skills within simulated settings. Like Candice, it means our students are work-ready and set up for success as soon as they graduate and enter the industry.”
Candice, for one, sees herself working in the care sector for a while and is considering venturing into the mental health space in the future.
“For now, I'm happy in my role as a PCA but may look into getting into the mental health field down the track,” she said.
Along with the rest of the nation, Bendigo TAFE is celebrating the specialist skills of its students during National Skills Week from 21 August – 27 August 2023. Now in its thirteenth year, the week celebrates the talents, the skills, the career pathways and the value of apprentices and trainees across Australia.
For more information about Bendigo TAFE’s health courses click here.
