Beloved care support worker Haydon is furthering his career through our Talent Pathways Program
Haydon can’t wait to offer personal care services to his clients after obtaining his Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and completing his work placement with Feros Care through the Talent Pathways Program.
By his late 20s, Haydon Gray was craving a career change.
Until that point, he’d been driving racehorses across the country in more than 4000 races, carving out a successful path on the racing circuit.
“I started doing that when I was young because my family was in the business and I had no choice of any other job,” he says. “I loved working with the horses and it allowed me to buy a house when I was 19, so I was pretty lucky, but it was hard work and I didn’t have a life.”
Deciding it was time to shake things up and channel his energy into a new line of work, he started thinking outside the box.
After some soul searching, it became crystal clear that he should harness (pun intended) his passion for helping others, leading him to aged care. It wasn’t long before Feros Care snapped him up as a Care Support Worker Level 1 (CSW1) and Haydon kickstarted a new career that would change his life.
He immediately fell in love with the job and formed close relationships with his clients. From taking them on social outings to helping them tidy up their gardens and clean their homes, Haydon proved to be an invaluable asset in their lives. And after bonding with him for the last three years, many of them now consider him ‘a mate’ rather than a care support worker.
Gaining new skills through the Talent Pathways Program
In 2024, Haydon wanted to offer a higher level of care to his cherished clients. He’d heard about Feros Care’s Talent Pathways Program, which supports employees to study while they work and gain hands-on experience through work placements.
Haydon chose to undertake the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) through Access Skills Training in Victoria.
“It’s a 12-month course and I’ve already completed the theory,” explains Haydon. “I’m now doing my training [work placement] and I have about three months to go. It’s gone quick and it’s been really good! I’ve learnt so much and it will really benefit me in the long run.
“When I’m done, I’ll be able to do CSW2 [Care Support Worker Level 2] tasks like showering and personal hygiene. I’ll also know a lot more about what to do if accidents happen and be much better prepared for that. Every day will be different, which I love, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Feeling nurtured, valued, and empowered
Haydon has felt extremely supported every step of the way on his learning and work experience journey.
“My teacher is brilliant and Feros Care has even paid me to study for two hours every Monday,” he says.
“Feros has been brilliant to me. I’m a pretty loyal person and I think they are too. It makes it easier to get out of bed every day when you work for a company that supports you.”
When asked if he’d recommend the Talent Pathways Program to other people who want to get started or level up in the aged care industry, Haydon doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s one of the best things I’ve done,” he says. “You should definitely give it a go.”
Your path to a rewarding future begins here.
For more information about vocational or university placements, work experience, traineeships, qualifications, university scholarships and general support through our Talent Pathways Program, click here or phone 1300 090 256.