How do you change careers after decades in a particular industry?
That’s the question job seeker Kerry Hude faced when a health condition meant she couldn’t continue her role as a home care support worker.
The 64-year-old from Bairnsdale had decades of care work experience and a shining passion and enthusiasm for work.
Working with APM employment consultant Wayne Atkins at the newly opened Bairnsdale office, Kerry was not only able to find alternative work, but also find an employer who could take up the government’s Restart subsidy to benefit their business.
APM is Australia’s largest provider of Disability Employment Services.
Learn more about how to find work with APM by visiting one of our 500 offices, calling 1800 276 276 or by registering with us directly.
- Read more about Kerry’s career change from the East Gippsland News…
Never too late for a career change
When it comes to supporting other people, few job seekers have a work history like Kerry Hude.
The 64-year-old has spent years working in aged care, respite and other carer roles, including the past 11 years as a home care support worker.
But after developing a health condition that limited her physical ability to keep working and helping other people, Kerry was the one who needed support to find a new job.
Kerry joined APM's Disability Employment Services program and quickly impressed her employment consultant, Wayne Atkins, at APM's new office in Bairnsdale.
Wayne was able to quickly assess her skills and experience and see what roles would be suitable for Kerry.
“Kerry was so keen to find work, ideas were thrown around about modifying her duties in an aged care facility or community organisation, where she could utilise her skills and experience,” Wayne said.
Among her work history, many with job certificates, and passion for helping people, Wayne discussed with Kerry the possibility of a customer service or administration role in a local business.
Excited about a possible career change in a job that didn't include rushing around in occasionally hot and humid conditions, Kerry worked with Wayne to find a new position.
Wayne negotiated a work trial with local freight company, Eight Mates Freight, in Bairnsdale.
“I met Judi (the manager) the next day and after a friendly, informal meeting was told I had the job. I was over the moon,” Kerry said.
Kerry was so successful she was offered a permanent job as an administration assistant.
Office manager, Christine Selleck, said Kerry was a reliable, courteous and fast learner.
She praised her ability to change careers and said hiring Kerry through APM had been an easy process with regular updates and contact to answer any questions that arise.
“I have settled in well at Eight Mates, I love doing data entry and then there is the challenge of taking many different types of phone enquiries,” Kerry added.
As part of being hired with APM, Kerry's new employers were able to access the government- funded wage subsidy to offset the cost of Kerry's wages and assist with more on the job training.
The Restart subsidy will help Kerry stay in work for 12 months as APM continues to provide support to both her and the business to make the employment a success for everyone.
APM East Gippsland business manager, Vicki Oldfield, employment consultants, Gary Williams, Wayne Atkins and Dylan Parkes, and Parent Next’s Jessica Maunder