Aged-care facility helping young people

Shepparton Villages executive manager of care services Kerri Rivett said she was extremely passionate about creating positions for young people in aged-care and it needed to be done differently.

Ms Rivett said she and her team did not conform to a traditional work structure.

''This is about us all working together and truly creating a fantastic workplace for young vibrant staff,'' Ms Rivett said.

Currently at Shepparton Villages, there are opportunities for a nursing career in aged-care.

Ms Rivett is encouraging local youth to be employed at Shepparton Villages such as Ashlee Cleaver and Amanda Smith.

Both local girls moved to study their nursing degrees and equipped with qualifications and experience  have returned to Shepparton and cunently job share at Shepparton Villages.

"You don't have to put your career on hold here, it allows me to be a mum, with very flexible working conditions," Ms Smith said. 

The ethos of a more personal style of management is cherished by the girls and Ms Smith said it was "a supportive and a caring workplace."  

Shepparton Villages human resources manager Jacinta Goodman said the workplace was like an extended family. 

"Feedback from placement students was they want to get a foot in the door so they can come back," Ms Goodman said. 

Ms Cleaver trained at La Trobe University Bendigo and is following in her mother's footsteps. 

"I always knew I'd make my longterm career in aged care," Ms Cleaver said. 

"It's a respect for the elderly and I think its important to give back to people who have shaped our community. 

By Kerri Thomson

As published in The Shepparton News on Friday November 1, 2013.