Ashleigh Bennett
With Level 2 completed and Level 3 well underway, studying with NZTC has given Ashleigh Bennett a boost in confidence and the skills to succeed as an in-home carer.
Name: Ashleigh Bennett
Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2)
When Ashleigh Bennett decided it was time to get back into the workforce after having children, it was an advertisement for a part-time job as an in-home carer that caught her attention
After meeting the client and undergoing orientation, she knew it was the job for her. However, it wasn’t until a family member became unwell that she made the decision to enrol in a healthcare program.
“After working as an in-home carer for a few months my client suggested I look into studying to further enhance my skills and knowledge.
“I didn't pursue this suggestion right away, it wasn't until my nana got terminally ill at the beginning of last year and passed away in June that motivated me to start studying.”
Bennett says witnessing first-hand the care and support shown to her grandmother inspired her to gain further knowledge to advance her own role as a healthcare assistant.
“Seeing the way the healthcare team supported my nana and our family during her last months with us, inspired me to study as I want to be able to provide that same care to clients and their whānau.
“So after my nana’s passing, I started searching online for study options and came across NZTC. After looking through the website and reading students' stories I knew it was the place I should start my study journey.”
With Level 2 complete, and Level 3 studies well underway, Bennett says the college’s flexible workplace learning has allowed her to continue working and still have time for her family.
“Two years ago, if someone had told me I would be working part-time, raising a family, and studying, I would have called them mad. But thanks to the flexible workplace learning available through NZTC and finally finding the courage within myself to restart my education, my confidence in myself and my ability to do my job has soared.”
Bennett finds helping her clients to go about their daily lives very rewarding.
“What I enjoy most about my job is being able to encourage my clients to be as independent as possible while also providing support when and if the client needs it, and celebrating my client's successes when they have accomplished something new.”
After completing Level 3, Bennett is keen to pathway into NZTC’s Level 4 program, before pursuing nursing or palliative care work.