Married at 18 and a mother at 19, Jennifer Earl doubted her academic abilities for years. But completing a Level 2 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing in 2018 ignited the start of a lifelong passion for learning.
“For years I had put off studying, thinking I’m not clever enough,” says Jennifer, “But the Level 2 was made so easy, which also made me determined to do Level 3,” she says. “That felt easy too, which inspired me to tackle a Level 4 apprenticeship, also with Careerforce.”
Apprentice graduate Jennifer Earl (left) with Careerforce Apprenticeship Advisor Cathy Briones
Jennifer supports a tetraplegic client in her role with HealthCare New Zealand in Christchurch. Following a chat with her manager, she enrolled in the Careerforce Apprenticeship in Advanced Care and Support (Spinal Injury Care) to help her better support her client.
Careerforce is a work-based learning provider that supports workplaces in the health and wellbeing sectors to upskill their staff and complete NZQA recognised qualifications.
Jennifer recently completed the 18-month apprenticeship through Careerforce, gaining skills to support her role.
“Naturally, I’m a caring person, and I enjoy the physical and mental challenges of helping others,” she shares.
Inspired by her own experience overcoming mobility challenges, Jennifer supports a client who has been a tetraplegic for 16 years following an accident, to live as independently as possible. “From personal care to cooking and entertaining, I’m there to help him live a full life. I get real satisfaction. It’s incredibly rewarding to end the day being able to say, ‘right I’ve done my best today.’”
Jennifer loved the flexibility of an online apprenticeship, perfectly suited to her demanding shift work, including 10-hour shifts and 14-hour sleepovers.
“Sometimes I’m working on coursework late in the evening, but the flexibility is fantastic. If it were classroom-based, I’d be too exhausted after a night shift,” she explains.
Jennifer found the feedback on her assessments especially motivating. Comments like “It was a delight reading it,” and “Your explanations are spot on,” kept her engaged and excited to continue.
She also valued the self-reflection aspect of the programme. “It made me think about the things I do every day without realising, and how I apply them differently than others.”
Now, as a shift leader, Jennifer trains team members and provides valuable advice, applying her learning in meaningful, practical ways.
Jennifer credits her Christchurch-based Careerforce Apprenticeship Advisors, Vicki Mead and Cathy Briones, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her journey.
“I definitely recommend the apprenticeship,” she says. “It’s proof you can do the job, and it earns you respect. Clients trust you more when they know you’re qualified, it’s absolutely worthwhile.”
Apprentice graduate Jennifer Earl (second from left), with Careerforce Apprenticeship Advisors: Vicki Mead, Cathy Briones and Charlotte Love (Left to right)
With a Level 4 qualification under her belt, Jennifer is far from slowing down. Alongside her apprenticeship, she has completed a Diploma in Psychology and Counselling, including family therapy. Now, she’s pursuing a Masters in Counselling to become a Solutions Focused Practitioner.
“I’m no spring chicken,” Jennifer laughs, “but I’m not stopping at 65. I’ll keep going!”
Contact Careerforce to learn more about Careerforce apprenticeships and discover if your workplace qualifies for Apprenticeship Boost Funding.