Ms Hartung, who attends Euroa Secondary College, is undertaking her practical placement at Cooinda for the next 12 months, with a view to becoming a registered nurse in the future.
‘‘I originally undertook work experience at Cooinda last year because I wanted to care for the elderly and I really enjoyed it,’’ Ms Hartung said.
‘‘I just love older people and can see myself in a caring role at an aged-care service in the future.
‘‘My work experience at Cooinda gave me really positive insight into aged care, so I approached them to see if I could undertake one day a week practical placement there, while I study my Certificate III in Individual Support.
‘‘I’m still at Euroa Secondary College for the rest of the week undertaking my normal Year 11 subjects.
‘‘My practical experience at Cooinda will see me a qualified personal care attendant at the end of this year.’’
Ms Hartung, who was formally training as a personal care attendant, said Cooinda was an amazing place to work.
‘‘I have made a lot of friends who are both staff and residents,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m enjoying the support I receive from Cooinda’s experienced staff, who are great mentors, explaining to me the depth of work needed to provide compassionate, high-quality care to older people.’’
Cooinda has many opportunities for school-based trainees, which include the areas of hospitality, health and wellbeing activities and building and maintenance as well as providing person-centred care for older people.
●Students who are interested in becoming a school-based trainee are encouraged to phone Cooinda’s people and culture coordinator Susan Tapp on 57613300 for more information.