Given the Chance to Succeed in Aged Care

An innovative partnership between Benetas and the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) is giving job seekers experiencing disadvantage the chance to shine in aged care.

Benetas is one of several organisations working with BSL to host Given the Chance, an employment program created to support diverse groups such as refugees and young people to access meaningful employment.

As part of the program, three aged care graduates, Richard Kabera, Immaculee Ntakirutimana and Unity Omaregie, are currently employed as Personal Care Workers at Benetas Gladswood Lodge in Brunswick West for six months, with the potential for ongoing employment.

Benetas General Manager People Development, Ellen Flint, said the program helps build a bridge for the employees between having the aged care skills and developing the confidence they need to succeed in the Australian workforce.

“Benetas is a ‘for purpose’ organisation and Given the Chance represents our values and our commitment to diversity,” said Ms Flint.

“We have a number of diversity initiatives, including being recognised an Employer of Choice for Gender for the tenth consecutive year; Given the Chance is just another way we are bringing our commitment into practice.”

“Benetas’ participation in the program is part of our Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and reflects our ongoing commitment to establishing creative and non-traditional employment pathways to ensure we can deliver the highest level of care.”

Unity, a 44 year old refugee from Nigeria, applied for the program after struggling to secure work due to inexperience in the aged care industry and cultural barriers.

Unity has made a wonderful impression during his time at Benetas Gladswood Lodge and is well respected amongst residents and his colleagues.

“I finished my Certificate III in Aged Care and completed my placement, but this was not enough to give me a chance in the workforce and it was really difficult to secure employment,” said Unity.

“When I first arrived in Australia I was working in warehousing, but I much prefer working in aged care. I feel so happy coming to my shifts.”

“Today I am confident in my work because of the experience I have gained at Benetas through Given the Chance.”

Given the Chance was developed initially in response to a diverse community requiring access to employment opportunities, and to engage employers seeking suitable candidates they may not have previously considered.

In aged care, many people found themselves graduating from courses with little to no understanding of what aged care work really looked like, and limited insight into whether they were suited to it or whether they would enjoy it.

This long term workforce strategy embraces diversity and supports in a way that is mutually beneficial for both Benetas and the employees.

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Pictured above: Unity Omaregie