In September 2023, a group of Global Skills participants completed the Hospital Pathway Program and began work at Bankstown and Liverpool Hospitals.

Among them was Gary, now 63, who was one of 5 participants to start work at Bankstown. Gary has kindly kept in touch, letting us know he was still going strong in his role and shared that he’s now passed the 18-month mark. He said, “I’ve been working at Bankstown Hospital for 19 months now. All 5 of us who started here after the course are still working at the Hospital. It’s worked out really well for all of us.”

Their healthcare journey began in April 2023, when Global Skills hosted an information day for a Pre-Employment Program, known as the Hospital Pathway Program. The program was delivered at our Liverpool and Bankstown sites in partnership with the Sydney South West Local Jobs Program, Acacia Education & Training, and NSW Health.

The course offered accredited training and practical skills to help participants start their careers in healthcare. After 10 years out of the workforce while caring for family, Gary saw the program as a fresh start. He remembers, “The program gave me a way back into the workforce. Before my time away I’d worked 25 years in office management and finance roles but I was open to retraining into something new. Then I was offered this opportunity. 

“The course covered everything we needed to know about the roles on offer and helped us understand what to expect. We had the option to work as a Cleaner or a Wardsperson. I went with cleaning, and it’s been a great fit. Everyone at work is friendly, the shifts are flexible and there’s a lot of variety.”

On starting work, other participants shared their experiences. Eric wrote, “Global Skills are amazing. I had no references or experience, but they helped me get a secure job I could do for the rest of my life. Thank you Mirella and the Global Skills team.”

Claudia added, “After many years of job searching and having no prior experience, I felt hopeless. Global Skills found me a short two-week course, which led to the amazing job I have now. My consultant, Mirella, went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed to succeed. I finally feel like I can start living my life with a job I love.”

At the time, Gary also left a review, “Thank you Global Skills for enrolling me in the Hospital Pathway Program. It was a very interesting course and it led to a casual cleaning role at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital. The work is enjoyable and the staff are very friendly and supportive. Thanks to the whole team, especially Chevaughn and Bobby.”

Gary shared how important that early support had been, “Once I started work, Global Skills helped with work pants, shoes, and topped up my Opal card so I could get to work. Chevaughn and Bobby were amazing. They kept in touch and always checked in to see if I needed anything. I let Chevaughn know when I hit 12 months and again at 18 months. I told the others from the course that I had spoken to Chevaughn and she passed on her best wishes. It’s nice when we bump into each other around the hospital and have a chat.”

Congratulations to all program graduates on reaching this milestone and a special thank you to Gary for generously sharing your story.