For Lake Tuggeranong College student Hannah Holford, a school-based apprenticeship in aged care not only helped her decide on a career path but taught invaluable life lessons.

After being named the ACT School-based Apprentice of the Year for her work at aged care facility BaptistCare Carey Gardens, she has gone on to win the Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year Award.

Hannah joined BaptistCare last year as a care services employee, as part of an apprenticeship earning a Certificate III in Individual Support.

“At the time I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do,” Hannah said.

“I had heard BaptistCare was a really great place to work and my grandmother had previously worked in aged care. I have always had so much respect for older members of our community.”

Since her apprenticeship ended, Hannah has been working at the facility part time and hopes to eventually work as a nurse or occupational therapist.

“I found it such a supportive environment, and it made me realise I loved the caring industry,” Hannah said.

“I realised that occupational therapy was more suited to how I wanted to deliver care, and I wouldn’t have known that without the apprenticeship. It gave me such a good hands-on insight.”

Hannah says that getting to know the residents and sharing their lives has been “an absolute joy.”

“My role is taking people through their daily activities and supporting them as much as I can, from choosing their outfits to helping them adjust when their independence changes. Everyone’s at a different level and ability in their independence,” she said.

“I love building different connections with people. It’s so versatile and it isn’t just job experience, it’s life experience. The more you know the residents, the better care you can provide for them.”

Hannah hopes other young Canberrans like herself will consider training in aged care.

“It’s really interesting working with older people who have really made a contribution to our city,” she said.

“Young people have a different energy that they can bring to the role.”

After she finishes college, Hannah intends to keep her options open for further education and training.

“Aged care has a special place in my heart, and I definitely see myself still involved in the future.”

For information about the Australian Training Awards: https://www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au/