Chisholm Institute student Therese Green says she has a new found passion after being awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Training award by the Department of Human Services during the Public Tenant Employment Program (PTEP) awards ceremony at Parliament House recently.

The 47 year old Berwick resident says while she had secured little employment over the past eight years, she jumped at the chance to undertake free training with Chisholm as part of the PTEP training scheme.

Therese found casual work as a training and support officer for Options Victoria in a number of their community based services after only three months into her Certificate IV in Disability Work.

“Without that certificate I would never have been able to work in this field,
 Therese explained, “they expect a very high level of training and professionalism.

 “I was impressed by the industry currency of Chisholm’s trainers. All of my teachers have conveyed different aspects of the industry which has collectively steered me into what I believe my passion is.”

The scheme has been instrumental in turning around the lives of many PTEP clients which has encouraged individuals to undertake training with Chisholm in the Disability and Aged Care areas.

Chisholm’s PTEP coordinator Nadia Parzybok too was recognised for outstanding achievement in providing pathways to employment and said the success of the training initiative has been a team effort.

“I was nominated for my commitment in ensuring that people moved into employment or were given opportunities to know what work was around,” she said.

“My knowledge of the disability field and being able to train people so new to disability work was also a big factor.

“All of Chisholm trainers have significant industry experience along with links to employment or to organisations that are looking for people. That’s why it’s such a good program.”