“The wealth of information that they shared was incredible – they gave me all the information and skills that I needed to go and do the job.”
– Ken Yildiran, Extended Care Assistant, Lillian Martin Nursing Home
Ken Yildiran was looking for a career change when he enrolled in Work & Training’s aged care course. He now works at Lillian Martin Nursing Home, where he cares for patients living with dementia.
“I was looking for a change. I had been working in the security industry for 25 years and was looking to get out. I absolutely love working at Lillian Martin.”
As a mature-age student Ken bought with him a wealth of lived experience, but he credits the industry experience of his trainers with helping him to feel prepared for his new career.
“My trainers Sam and Amanda were brilliant because they both work or have worked in the environment” he says.
“The wealth of information that they shared was incredible – they gave me all the information and skills that I needed to go and do the job.”
In addition to trainer experience, Ken believes the hands-on nature of the course was beneficial.
“It’s one thing to have a book to study, but it’s another thing to hear someone’s experience and be placed into an environment where you see it first-hand.”
Even after finishing his course and entering employment, Ken still feels supported by Work & Training.
“The best part about connecting with Work & Training would be the people. If I find things that are confronting, or there’s something I’m not sure of, I still ring Sam and Amanda and ask them about it.”
Ken says the most rewarding part of his role is helping elderly community members enjoy a better quality of life.
“They also teach me a lot too. There’s a little lady there who is 102 and her stories are just amazing. She loves action movies so I bring them in for her – ‘Oh, I love Sylvester Stallone’ – really? Okay. Here’s another war movie for you” he laughs.
Ken feels the quality of the training he received during the course has given him skills that allow him to give back to the community.
“The industry experience really gave me a better understanding, a better idea of what’s required of me” he explains.
“This role is very supportive within the community. If it wasn’t for Extended Care Assistants, a lot of elderly people wouldn’t have the care that they need.”
Ken Yildiran – Extended Care Assistant, Lilian Martin Nursing Home
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