Jessica Hastings – Vic

Jessica, 32, is a mum of four who was working in retail when her partner was involved in a serious car accident. With her partner still recovering and caring for children with disabilities, Jessica suddenly found herself juggling far more responsibility.

Despite these challenges, she took the plunge and enrolled in a pre-accredited short course Launch Your Hospital Career at Community College Gippsland (CCG). When that didn’t lead to a job, she didn’t give up, she went on to complete another pre-accredited six-week course, Launch Your Aged Care Career.

After completion, with support from the CCG, Jessica applied for a traineeship at a new aged care facility in Warragal and was successful. She is now continuing her Certificate III studies in Individual Support one day a week while working three days a week at the facility

“At some point I felt like giving up,” Jessica says, “but the support from CCG helped me to keep going and take on each new challenge.”

This year, Jessica has been nominated for a Victorian Learn Local Award in recognition of her determination and achievements. Her advice to others is simple but powerful: “Give it a shot, even if you feel hopeless sometimes, keep going, never give up, and think ahead.”