Student story – Kelsey Dean

“The values of Jewish Care and Selmar translate for everyone: respect your elders, have empathy and be involved in your community”, explains recent graduate Kelsey Dean.

With a successful career in sales and marketing under her belt, Kelsey was looking for a change; “I asked myself, what can I study that will still be relevant in 10 years? What has career growth, and also has some soul?”

In answer to her questions, Kelsey saw the Jewish Care stream of Selmar’s aged care training advertised in her local newspaper. 

This stream is a partnership between Jewish Care and Selmar Institute of Education, which delivers the Certificate III in Aged Care and HACC (CHC30212 & CHC30312) tailored to meet the needs of the Jewish community. Students are guaranteed work placement in a Jewish Care facility. “Together, Selmar and Jewish Care are inspiring people to study. It’s cohesive between the two organisations, and also with industry needs” Kelsey says.

This Selmar student story came after Kelsey had been burnt by a previous course. Kelsey admits she was sceptical of studying again, saying “I really wondered if courses even get jobs. I know now that they do”.

Selmar’s guaranteed work placement and strong industry reputation gave her confidence. “Selmar seemed so focused on quality training”, she explained, “Unlike other RTOs, the course fee includes First Aid and food safety. Combined with guaranteed placement, I knew I’d be job ready”.

Kelsey also has nothing but praise for Selmar’s Jewish Care trainer, Jenny. “Jenny knows the industry inside out. She had plenty of tips and advice about further study, career progression and how to study well. But she also helped with much more, from stress management to maintaining motivation. Jenny really made you feel reassured that no one knows it all to begin with – but you’ll get there.”

Kelsey says she will “absolutely stay in aged care because there are so many opportunities.”

“I’ve already recommended Selmar to friends who are considering a career change – I can honestly say there was nothing missing from this aged care course. I am job ready. I’m qualified, I feel prepared. Well look, I’m already employed!”

What a positive Selmar student story — a huge congratulations to Kelsey on being hired as a Personal Care Assistant at Jewish Care. Kelsey is enrolling in her Certificate IV in Aged Care (CHC40108) with Selmar as soon as possible. We look forward to having as a student again!

The next Jewish Care and Selmar partnership class is already full, but contact a Course Advisor to enquire about upcoming dates.