Souths Cares is celebrating the success of Jessica Mason, a participant in the Barranggirra Program who is determined to create a positive future for her family through hard work.
As a single mother with a young boy, Jessica has had to overcome some challenges along her training and employment journey.
Jessica has a passion for helping others in need and established the goal of completing a Traineeship to launch her career in the health sector. Jessica was originally enrolled to commence a Traineeship with South West Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) in 2021, however had to postpone her Traineeship due to the COVID pandemic.
In 2023, Jessica re-enrolled in the Traineeship Program and commenced her Certificate 3 in Health Administration in March. The 2023 cohort of SWSLHD Health Traineeships includes 10 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learners, with Souths Cares Barranggirra Program providing individualized mentoring support to each participant whilst they complete their training.
Jessica is working at Liverpool Hospital and completing her studies at Campbelltown TAFE. In her role Jessica provides administration duties for the busy Liverpool Hospital which includes file management, working collaboratively with nurses and ward staff, scheduling appointments and ensuring patients have all the health information and resources required as they are discharged from hospital.
One of the goals Jessica established with her Barranggirra Mentor was to complete her Traineeship as quickly as possible so she can progress to a fulltime employment role and increase her income. Jessica has been completing the theory component of her Traineeship ahead of schedule and is on-track to complete the 12 month course within 6 months.
Ebony Chalker, Employment and Training Mentor with the Barranggirra Program has been supporting Jessica since she commenced her Traineeship and has been impressed with her progress.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching Jessica flourish in her Traineeship. Not only is Jessica achieving her own goals, she has been supporting other students with their Traineeships and has become an important leader in the group of learners”, Ebony said.
Jessica explained establishing a positive mentoring relationship has helped her stay on track.
“My mentor Ebony has made me feel comfortable to talk about anything with her from my personal life to work life. She has a big heart and reminds me that extra support is always available as I work towards completing my Traineeship”, Jessica said.
Jessica will continue being supported through the Barranggirra Program as she completes her Traineeship and then transitions into a full-time employment role in health administration.
The partnership between SWSLHD and Souths Cares Barranggirra Program has produced some outstanding results for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learners to date, with 16 participants already completing their Traineeships and securing full-time employment roles with the health sector.
Souths Cares Barranggirra Program is proudly supported by Training Services NSW.
