Susan Gamble quit her meat packing job after 30 years to discover her true passion in the care and support sector.
“I love helping people, and I knew I wanted to be the best support worker I could be. But at first, I knew nothing and thought nobody would want me,” says Susan.
Thrilled to land her first role as a support facilitator nearly four years ago, Susan imagined herself climbing the ladder step by step. Today, she’s a proud disability team leader with her qualification successes helping pave the way for her career progression.
First completing her Level 2 Health and Wellbeing qualification, Susan then advanced to Level 3. Most recently, she completed her Level 4 Apprenticeship in Disability Support, a milestone recently celebrated at the Māori Celebration of Success event held at Te Papa o Rotu Marae in Whatawhata, Waikato.
Apprenticeship graduate Susan Gamble (centre) with Careerforce Kaihautū Taupuhipuhi Āmio – Manager, Hineoma Paekau-Rush and Executive Director Rod Bentham
Her employer Aspire Community Support, and work-based learning provider Careerforce, played key roles in both qualification and career growth. Aspire supports independent living for individuals with disabilities in the Hamilton area, while Careerforce helps upskill staff in the health and wellbeing sectors with NZQA recognised qualifications via fully on-job learning.
In her role, Susan helps clients with various physical and mental challenges live as independently and actively as possible.
Completing her Level 4 Apprenticeship in Disability Support provided Susan with valuable skills that have enriched her work. Reflecting on her early days, she recalls feeling unprepared:
“At first, I knew nothing. Now, I don’t have to pretend I know what I’m talking about. I have a number of tools in my toolbox to help both my clients and co-workers.”
The journey wasn’t without challenges. “When I first started Level 4, I thought, ‘What the heck am I doing? What have I gotten myself into?’” Initially, she paused her studies for three months but soon realised their importance. “I picked it up again and thought, ‘I’d better do this.’”
Susan began dedicating every spare moment to her studies. “I’d pick up my laptop, and studying became something I really enjoyed.”
She benefited greatly from Careerforce’s support, attending numerous face-to-face study sessions and noho marae (overnight stays at a marae), where learners can ask questions and collaborate on their assessments.
“The Careerforce staff are incredibly kind and helpful at the nohos. When you’re struggling to understand something, they make it easier. It’s also interesting to learn from peers in different roles and industries. Those interactions provided essential support and shared experiences.”
Susan says one of the biggest lessons from her apprenticeship was self-reflection:
“Doing the Level 4 apprenticeship is important because it makes you stop and think. ‘How did I perform my role today? Could I have done that better? You need to stop, have a real good look at yourself, go back into that situation, and be humble.”
Aspire has supported Susan throughout her learning journey. “They’ve always been there for me. Careerforce, too, is just an email or phone call away. The nohos are wonderful – they make you feel welcome, like being at home away from home.”
With a Level 4 Health and Wellbeing qualification under her belt, Susan says “Now I’ve done the course, I can stand proud and hold my head high.” With no plans to slow down, she wants to continue bettering herself and building her toolkit. She has already enrolled in a Level 5 Health and Wellbeing Diploma, also with Careerforce.
For more information about Careerforce programmes and support for Māori learners, visit www.careerforce.org.nz. Employers may also qualify for Apprenticeship Boost funding.