Our Administrative Officer, Jamilee, is no stranger to the care industry. She has dedicated nearly her entire adult life to caring for others as a support worker.
Before joining support worker training provider Skills Centre Australia, her journey began in 2013 when she worked as a Community Support Worker. Inspired by her mother, an Enrolled Nurse at an Italian Aged Care Village, Jamilee grew up hearing heartfelt stories about the rewarding nature of helping others and the meaningful connections formed along the way. This inspired her to follow in her family’s footsteps.
After finishing high school, Jamilee completed her Certificate III in Individual Support and began her career alongside her mother and sister. She quickly discovered that her favourite part of being a carer was the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Jamilee cherished the time spent with clients, especially those living with dementia. She found great joy in listening to their detailed stories—even if they were repeated every shift—and loved seeing their faces light up when she recalled small details, creating a sense of familiarity and connection.
Her passion for caregiving was driven by the rewarding experience of building relationships with clients, and this deep sense of purpose kept her in the field for many years. As Jamilee reflects, “I couldn’t do a job that I didn’t like, and I loved being a support worker. That’s why I did it for so long.”
In April 2024, Jami joined KompleteCare as a Home Support Worker, appreciating its flexibility to balance her work and family life. As her children grew older, she began exploring full-time opportunities that would keep her in the care sector. When her sister informed her of a full-time administrative position at Skills Centre Australia, a support worker training provider, Jamilee saw it as the perfect chance to broaden her career while staying true to her passion for helping others. She applied, and the rest, as they say, is history.
One of the most significant changes Jamilee noticed when transitioning from a Home Support Worker to her role at Skills Centre Australia was the shift from working independently to being part of a supportive team environment. “As a Home Support Worker, I was often alone on the road, interacting one-on-one with clients. But here, I am surrounded by an incredibly supportive team, and that sense of community is amazing,” she explains.
Jamilee also finds great satisfaction in welcoming new trainees and knowing they have the skills to support diverse clients. “I feel like I’ve gone from helping clients directly to helping the next generation of support workers make a difference in people’s lives.”
For a typical day at Skills Centre Australia, Jamilee likes to start early, always with a hot cup of coffee. Her priority is checking emails to organise support worker training bookings or cancellations for upcoming training sessions. By 8:30 am, she ensures that all support worker training materials, including practical equipment, workbooks, evaluation sheets, attendance sheets, and assessments, are meticulously set up. She also ensures ready refreshments, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all trainees.
Jamilee is the first face you’ll see when you come to Skills Centre Australia for support worker training. Throughout the day, she greets trainees, guides them around the facility, and shares her extensive industry experience, often leading to meaningful conversations. Her role also involves administrative duties, such as preparing certificates, managing invoices, and handling inbound and outbound communications related to course inquiries.
Outside of work, Jamilee is an avid hiker who loves exploring scenic locations, especially cliffs that offer breathtaking views. She enjoys capturing adventurous photos and experiencing the adrenaline of these hikes. Above all, Jamilee treasures spending quality time with her family and children.
Jamilee believes the team’s genuine passion at Skills Centre Australia truly sets them apart. “Everyone here has a background in community support, and we bring that lived experience into our support worker training sessions. We understand what it’s like to be a Support Worker and use our stories to help our students better prepare for the role.”
Reflecting on her journey, Jami shared, “Twelve years ago, I never imagined I’d be where I am today, but I’m incredibly grateful for the path that led me here.”