From caregiver to learner to assessor, Jesika Sachdeva shows how a hunger for learning can open doors to management and mentoring roles.
Jesika arrived from Fiji more than 20 years ago with two young children, a work visa and background in Journalism in Government departments and Private Radio. She began her journey in New Zealand initially as a radio journalist. Following a brief stint in Australia, and a total career shift, she landed a role as caregiver for Metlifecare.
Eager to grow, she first completed a dementia programme and a Level 3 qualification.
By 2018, she had completed a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Diversional Therapy to support her role at the time, and two years later, she expanded her expertise with a Level 4 qualification in Advanced Care and Support, both through the work-based learning provider, Careerforce.
Not one to stand still, Jesika kept the momentum going, then completed a Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management) Level 5 qualification in 2023, also with Careerforce.
Lifelong learner, and Careerforce assessor Jesika Sachdeva
Now as Village Coordinator at Bupa’s Erin Park Retirement Village in Auckland, Jesika is determined to support the next wave of learners. Most recently, she has completed her assessor training with Careerforce, adding another skill to her portfolio and expanding the ways she can support others.
As Village Coordinator, Jesika is the steady hand behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly, from coordinating contractors to managing admin and supporting resident wellbeing.
“Working in a retirement village does have its challenges,” says Jesika. “You don’t know what you are coming in to. Every day is different when working with independent living. But studying business leadership and management, has contributed to what I am doing, and helped me know how to deal with these challenges.
“I love my job. The residents are the real motivator. It’s great to see that they are happy and can live independently and that’s what inspires me to come to work.”
Because of her background as a diversional therapist. Jesika was invited to join a Northern Activities group by Northern Regional Operations Manager, Dawn Carey, discussing Diversional and Recreational Therapy, challenges and how to overcome them.
Her eagerness to support staff and team members didn’t go unnoticed, and her decision to be an assessor was supported by her ROM Dawn in becoming a registered Careerforce assessor and her assessor training journey was supported by General Manager Adriana Scheun.
With so many qualifications already under her belt, backed up by her hands-on experience, Jesika felt ready to take the next step and complete the assessor training.
Assessment is how Careerforce formally recognises the skills and experience of its trainees who are completing work-based training programmes with Careerforce. The process takes place mostly in the workplace and is supported by clear guides and resources. Careerforce assessors are qualified, industry experts who make sure trainees’ hard work and knowledge are recognised to NZQA standards.
Assessor training typically takes around 4 to 5 months part-time, with the final stage involving the assessment of a trainee.
According to Careerforce, organisations having their own workplace assessor is great because it means trainees are supported by a person who knows the business. Trainees also have a mentor in the workplace who can support them to become better at their jobs and achieve their qualifications.
“I felt very comfortable with it all,” says Jesika, “I know the trainees and I know the residents. I had been a caregiver/registered Diversional Therapist for so long and I had the knowledge.
“My Careerforce learning engagement advisor, Korelli Mulitalo had to assess me. He made me realise that I had the potential to do this.
“Korelli has been amazing. I know that he is so busy, but he has been really supportive.”
Jesika says that initially she will be assessing learners at Erin Park Village, who are completing programmes up to Advanced Care and Support Level 4, although that may extend to other Bupa facilities.
“I want to encourage everyone out there to never stop learning, keep growing,” says Jesika. “You never know, where you will be in the future. Don’t wait to continue to study, and Careerforce is the way.
“I have done so many courses and I have had some awesome assessors, such as John Kenny who gave great support and encouragement with my Careerforce Leadership Diploma. I have learnt how it should be done and I want to be that kind of assessor, and have that approach,” adds Jesika.
Jesika’s Careerforce Advisor, Korelli adds, “Backing Jesika to become an assessor was an easy decision. She’s walked the Careerforce journey, completing the DT Apprenticeship and Level 5 Business Leadership and H & W quals. Now, as a coach, mentor, and assessor, she’s passing that knowledge on with confidence and skill to others.
“She is already making waves, supporting other facilities (just two weeks after becoming an assessor), serving as a current member on the Diversional Therapy Registration Board, and setting high expectations for her team. Her belief in lifelong learning is infectious.
“She’s a standout example of how Careerforce creates pathways for passionate, capable leaders. We’re lucky to have her as a Workplace Assessor.”
Careerforce supports nearly 800 workplace-placed assessors across New Zealand. For more information about becoming an assessor and providing mentoring for Careerforce learners, contact the Assessment Operations team at Careerforce.
Susan Tattersall