A dedicated group of students are now qualified to work in the aged-care sector after this week graduating Certificate III in Individual Support – Ageing and Disability at Moree Community College.

Mimma Bokelund, Jasmine Cleal, Dianne Dahlstrom, Cindie Garrett, Gary Johnson and Vicki Thompson received their certificates at an afternoon tea graduation ceremony at the college’s Greenbah Road campus on Thursday.

The year-long course involved training in person-centred support, promoting independence and working with multi-disciplinary teams.

Graduates’ new work-skills include assisting with daily living activities, providing personal care, supporting mobility, and enhancing the quality of life for elderly and disabled individuals.

The students also underwent 120 hours of practical work placement in the community care sector as part of assessment requirements of the units of competency.

They are now qualified to fill numerous roles, including that of aged-care worker, disability support worker, home-care assistant or in-home respite care worker.

Community College Northern Inland executive officer Melanie Squires, trainer Pauline Shaw and campus co-ordinator Mikala Bearman congratulated all graduates.

Melanie Squires travelled from Inverell for the graduation.

“I congratulate all these students and we’re very excited that we’ve been able to have a graduating class of students in Moree,” Melanie said.

“We’re very proud of everyone who has graduated. It can be a big thing to come back and study after some time, and it’s so important to find more local people to work in local care.”

(from left) graduates Cindie Garrett, Mimma Bokelund, Dianne Dahlstrom, Jasmine Cleal, Moree campus co-ordinator Mikala Bearman, graduate Gary Johnson, trainer Pauline Shaw and executive officer Melanie Squires (absent Vicki Thompson).

Trainer Pauline Shaw said the class was a joy to train.

“The course takes 12 months and the six students that completed it were all committed and studious,” Pauline said.

“They were a joy to train, and I loved seeing everyone progress. Every student was interested in the study, and wanted to do well.”

Pauline spoke highly of all graduates and said each brought something special to the course.

“The knowledge Mimma (Bokelund) brought, with her other studies, gave a different perspective quite often,” she said.

“Vicki (Thompson) really overcame some obstacles, including a terrible bout in hospital, and she really deserves this recognition.

“I was so impressed by Jasmine’s (Cleal) maturity and how she related with patients in the workplace. Jasmine is really, really suited to it,” she said.

“Cindie (Garrett) went through a lot this year, but she stuck with the course, and did really well at work placement.

“Dianne (Dahlstrom), in particular, had a lot of hardships, and she got through them all. My admiration for her is boundless. During the last month, Dianne was determined to finish the assessments, and she did really well.

“Gary (Johnson) is one of the nicest gentlemen I’ve met in a long time. He always notices when someone needs something – whether it be a cup of coffee or a hug. I really appreciate Gary’s attendance and participation, and how he cared for everyone around him.

“I’ve also see him at work, and he is a wonderful carer. His clients are very lucky to have him,” Pauline said.

Moree campus co-ordinator Mikala Bearman said the course structure is a combination of theoretical learning and practical experience to prepare graduates for careers in the aged-care and disability sectors.

“Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to support vulnerable individuals in home and community settings,” Ms Bearman said.

College trainers said graduates’ dedication and hard work throughout the program was exemplary.

“Graduates are now ready to make a difference in the community by providing compassionate care to those who need it most,” Ms Bearman said.

Northern Inland Community College, with campuses at Moree, Bingara, Warialda, Barraba, Inverell, Gunnedah and Narrabri, is a not-for-profit registered training organisation and provides quality, local training in various sectors.

These include community services, business, engineering and foundation skills.

Applications are now open for the next Certificate III in Individual Support course at Moree campus.

The course starts on April 29 and finishes February 24 next year.

Information about the course and applications can be found here: Certificate III in Individual Support – Ageing and Disability.

Trainer Pauline Shaw said the aged-care and disability sectors desperately need more trained staff.

“We’re putting on another class this year, and hopefully we’ll get the numbers. It’s an area that needs more help,” she said.