Set up for success

As part of the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance HLT33115, Matthew Moore completed placement at Northern Health.

Matthew, who has autism, says he chose this career path to help others.

I decided to do the course because I spent most of my younger years in the hospital due to having type 1 diabetes and autism, and I thought what better way than to give back.

"I am proud of completing my course and being able to do this with other students who also enjoy helping people.”

As Matthew began his course in early 2020, his studies were impacted by COVID-19. Despite this, he believes VU Polytechnic structured the course in a way that sets students up for success.

I liked the way VU went about their teaching methods. The teachers were really friendly and open in sharing their knowledge, and the friendships shared between students and teachers were really special. I really enjoyed my experience.

During the course, Matthew had the opportunity to do placement at Northern Health. Stephen Carnell, Matthew’s Patient Service Assistant Support Supervisor, says placement allows students to get a real sense of what the job entails.

We are giving them lots of experience, lots of hands on work instead of just throwing them in a corner and asking them to wipe down a table again. We are getting them to do the actual work.

He also speaks highly of VU students.

“VU students always present well and are keen to be involved and engaged. They have a willingness to help and are very customer focused. The training and support from VU staff shows how important industry experience is for their graduates.”

Matthew says he is thankful for the experience and knowledge gained at Northern Health. He has been offered a position at Barwon Health.

“Steve was an awesome trainer, he’s passed on his knowledge. People have been really helpful and everyone has been nice to me. I will miss it a lot.”