Having left a domestic violence marriage at 58, Julie-ann found herself homeless and struggling emotionally. She needed a source of income to rebuild her life. “The organisation gave me an opportunity at a new job and qualification at no cost to me financially,” she explains. WomenCAN Australia supported her not only emotionally but also financially, covering her police and working with children’s checks and providing a work uniform.
When asked about what she enjoyed most about her traineeship experience, Julie-ann said “Learning. I love to learn new things”. She believes that her year of on-the-job practical training, combined with classwork, has made her a better worker. A highlight for her has been the camaraderie with a fellow trainee who shares similar life experiences. “We have gotten along from day one and come to trust and support each other,” she notes.
Additionally, Julie-ann has greatly appreciated the WomenCAN Australia peer support monthly meetings. “They are a different sort of mini workshop/learning topic each month,” she explains. Topics like stress management and work-life balance have been particularly valuable to her.
Julie-ann is a strong advocate for WomenCAN Australia and eagerly recommends the organisation to other women. “In a nutshell, YES,” she affirms. The support she received was invaluable, and she is thrilled to have a qualification that allows her to work anywhere in Australia in an industry that offers abundant opportunities and does not discriminate based on age. “I am virtually guaranteed a job until I am able to retire,” she emphasises. The variety in work types within the aged care sector also appeals to her, as it offers flexibility as she approaches retirement.
Julie-ann’s passion for helping others has been a consistent theme throughout her career. “I have always worked in ‘helping’ roles working with people,” she shares. For the past 15 years, she has enjoyed working with seniors living in their own homes. While she initially had reservations about some aspects of aged care work, she has found the experience rewarding and fulfilling.
