Meet Selmar Aged Care Certificate Graduate, Kerry

After raising 5 children, Kerry Erskine decided to use her well-honed caring skills to join the aged care workforce. Training with Selmar was the next logical step.

“The kids are all grown up now, so it was time to do something new”, explains Kerry.

Kerry’s son Duncan gave her the final nudge, when he suggested they enrol into Selmar’s Jewish Care stream together. They did just that, and Kerry recently completed the dual qualification Certificate III in Aged Care and Certificate III in Home and Community Care (HACC). Duncan is currently finishing his work placement.

Selmar was Kerry’s first choice because, as she rightly noted, “lots of the other providers don’t promise work placement, but Selmar guarantees this for their [campus] students”. Kerry also found the routine of studying on campus meant she was really committed to her studies.

Having been out of the paid workforce for 20 years, Kerry was nervous to start work placement. However, she said both the training with Selmar and the supportive team at the facility meant she was soon ready for hands on learning.

“Jenny is a really patient trainer, with lots of experience to share. Even so, the first few days of placement I was nervous. By the time Friday rolled around, I was the only student rostered on and I already had so many tasks that I was asked to help with! I felt like a full team member, it was great.”

The biggest lesson learnt, for Kerry, is that Aged Care is for those people who really want to support the elderly. You have to be patient, loving and genuinely want to offer support. She’s already learnt so much from those she supports.

“Jenny had great stories to share from working with the elderly” and it’s these stories that really drive Kerry. Even with the residents who don’t talk as much, she says that “you see the smile in their eyes when you chat to them. I’ve finally found a job I can do and not get into trouble for talking too much!”

Kerry has applied for a job with the facility she did her student placement at; we wish her the best of luck! Whether it’s at this facility or another, Aged Care has Kerry’s heart.