Geelong job seeker overcomes personal difficulties to teach others

Mental health had affected job seeker Gayle’s ability to stay in her employment as a nurse and midwife – an industry that she had worked in for 30 years.

Gayle experienced several family tragedies that caused severe depression and an inability to perform her normal caring duties. As a result she faced unemployment for more than two years – but she wanted to turn her life around and have purpose again.

MatchWorks job seeker Gayle at Karingal Training.

MatchWorks job seeker Gayle at Karingal Training.

She was referred to MatchWorks East Geelong and employment consultant Renee Sack helped connect Gayle to a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course with Karingal Training.

Gayle is now employed at Karingal as a sessional trainer using her nursing knowledge and experience for various courses including First Aid, CPR and Medications and also modules of the Certificate IV in Community Services.

She has been teaching for more than 12 months across a number of Karingal Training locations and is continually supported by MatchWorks Employment Consultant Samantha Simpson.

“I really loved studying again, learning and having a purpose again. I always looked after the students when I worked at the hospital, so I feel this was a good decision. I really enjoy imparting my knowledge to others,” Gayle said.

“MatchWorks has been great and the support is fantastic. Renee and Sam have been wonderful and have fully understood my mental health and struggles getting back to work.”

A highlight for Gayle so far is taking out the Karingal Training Champion staff award, voted by students, for fully embracing the opportunity to teach others.