Ashleigh Gringhuis  

While I was studying at Leongatha Secondary College, I decided to enroll in a traineeship under the Year 12 VCAL program. The education support person at my school helped me to choose this program. It was an easy decision for me, as I have always been passionate about helping others and my mother also worked in the same field.  

I didn’t enjoy sitting in a classroom and learning with a group of students, so I joined a Certificate III in Individual Support program with CCG and found a traineeship position at Woorayl Lodge. I really enjoyed the program because it offered hands-on, real-life learning experiences.  

I attended the course three days a week, and the other two days I went to school. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, I found it challenging to do all my studies by myself while at home. However, my CCG trainer contacted me several times a week to discuss questions, guide me through the program, and give me ideas to improve my work. By watching how the staff at Woorayl Lodge works and being supported along the way by the CCG trainer, I was able to do much better in my studies.  

Currently, I’m pursuing a Diploma of Nursing at Leongatha TAFE, where I’m learning about aged care, community acute, and mental health. After completing this course, I’m planning to take a gap year before starting a Bachelor of Nursing/Midwife degree at Fed Uni. 

The training and support I received from CCG and Woorayl Lodge gave me a lot more confidence which helped me overcome my shyness and pursue further studies.