03 May 2023
Sarah’s Retrain Campaign
Name: Sarah
Age: 23 years old
Location: Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
A little bit about me
I went to secondary school in an all-Irish school called Meanscoil Gharman. Even though I did relatively well in my leaving cert getting 349 points, I didn't have much motivation for school or studying. Weirdly enough I didn't study for my leaving cert it was just pure luck!
I was never pushed on school and while in 6th year I was extremely confused about what I wanted to do for a living. At that time, my youngest brother was in the middle of being diagnosed with autism. As you can imagine, this was an extremely stressful time for my mother. As a result of this, I didn't have much guidance on what to do after school, or what colleges to apply to. I was also worried that I was putting my Mam under financial stress with everything else going on.
I got offered a place at Carlow College to study Social Care which I declined. I went on to do beauty therapy instead but I didn’t finish the course. I started working in a hotel bar, then moved on to a shop, and then housekeeping in hospitals as well as catering.
What motivated you to enrol in the Resilience Healthcare re-train programme?
While working as a catering assistant in a hospital, I expressed to my best friend how miserable I was as I wasn't working in a job I could see myself in for the rest of my life. This wasn't the career for me. I thought maybe I would do a course in HR management or Healthcare, but as I was working for an agency on very minimal hours, as well as paying for a car and other bills, I knew I couldn't afford these courses. I grew more and more miserable in my job. I also didn't want to stress my mam by asking for help financially, as I am a very independent person.
My best friend had just started in Lemongrove and sent me a link for the retrain programme. I thought I didn't have a chance and couldn't imagine myself being lucky enough to be accepted for an opportunity like this, but I applied anyway. After a couple weeks I received confirmation for an interview.
The interview went well and one day as I was leaving work, I received an email to say I got the job! I was so overwhelmed with relief and joy, I cried, to the point my mam thought I had crashed on the way home! I couldn't speak to tell her I had been accepted. The feeling of stress was finally gone. This was my steppingstone to starting my career.
Was the programme as was expected?
The retrain program is more than I expected. Not only am I being completely funded towards getting my qualifications, but I can also work full time and gain so much experience in the field. All the staff have been more than helpful with my studying as well as my work. I work three to four days a week, so I have more than enough time to get course work done.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during the programme? And how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I have faced during the retrain programme is that it was extremely hard getting back into the swing of studying, as I was never much for studying or school work (it has been four or five years!). I think the way I have been able to overcome this has reminded myself that this is what I want. This is an amazing opportunity, and I don't want to jeopardise it. This has been a big push for me.
As well as that, because I am working while doing the course, I know what I will be doing once I complete all my modules. I know how happy I am in my job and how much I love all of the service users, I feel this motivates me to do well so I can continue to work with such amazing people.
What has been your biggest achievement or success story?
My biggest achievement has been learning how to deal with behaviours and I think I am getting very good at doing so. I have received a lot of praise and support from my Service Manager and Team Lead. This is very encouraging especially being someone who started with no experience. For me, a big personal achievement is the relationship I have built with all the service users.
How does your experience in the programme compare to your expectations?
The retrain programme has exceeded all my expectations. I didn’t expect it to be so hands on, but I am glad that it is. Staff let me work and take charge in situations and it really make me feel like I'm a real member of staff.
What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling in the programme?
I would advise anyone who is interested in doing the retrain programme to do it. This has been an amazing experience for me. It has given me the chance in a career I have always wanted to do.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I am hoping to continue my education and do a Social Care degree. I’d love to help those in toxic home situations and work alongside people with disabilities. Maybe not limit myself to Wexford, I’d like to work all around Ireland.
