Letterkenny’s John Wilkie, who started a new career at 60, says education is the way forward.
John is a well-known Karate sensei who kickstarted his journey to becoming a Care Assistant in 2022.
Now working with Cheshire Ireland, he loves helping others, listening and “bringing a bit of light into somebody’s day”.
John has been on an education journey with Donegal Education and Training Board’s Further Education and Training (FET) Service for a number of years. Prior to the pandemic, he did courses in communications, engineering, security and coaching.
“When I thought about going back I wanted to get clarity on what I was going to do. I met with an Adult Guidance Counsellor and they sat me down to look at my strong points,” he said.
“People like myself, when you’ve left school a long time, you think you’re not good enough. But when they sit you down, you see your life experiences and all you have done over a lifetime.
“From my first job in the bacon factory in 1979, I was always a worker. With the help of the ETB and the Adult Guidance Counsellor, they focused me on what I would like to do.”
The Health Care Support course is a full-time QQI Level 5 programme taught in Letterkenny.
Training covers modules including anatomy and physiology, care of the older person, care support, infection prevention control, first aid and a work placement (across 10 weeks). In less than a year, students have the skills and experience to be employment-ready.
“It was a bit daunting on my first day, it’s like back to school, and my grandson asked me did I get a uniform!” John said.
“There is great support there for your assignments and presentations.”
John also benefitted from the career planning and job-seeking skills portion of the course.
“They get your CV updated and they give you support to approach the next job.
“If you trust yourself and go on, it will lead to better money, a better job and something more fulfilling.”
John soon saw the benefit of having a qualification when Cheshire Ireland accepted his application.
“The Level 5 copperfastens the knowledge you have, from the theory to the practical and you go into work as a professional.”
At Cheshire, John assists people with a variety of needs and conditions, from Dementia to Parkinson’s and Intellectual Disabilities.
His work ranges from driving an accessible van, assisting people attending an event, or hoisting them from a bed to a wheelchair.
“You know when you find a job you like, you’ll never work a day in your life. It’s like that for me,” John said.
“I’m a people person and that’s what I love most about the job. You have to imagine what it would be like to be in somebody’s shoes for one day. It’s about bringing a bit of light into somebody’s day.”
John is delighted to learn recently that he was nominated for a Care Support Worker of the Year award within Cheshire Ireland.
He says his training journey so far shows “you’re never too old to do something”.
For those starting back at education after some time, John’s advice is to dip your toe in first.
“A short computer course is a great way to familiarise yourself,” he said, although he shows no signs of stopping yet. “Don’t give up on yourself. I did the theory for bus driving too, I might go back and do that in the next five years.
“Write down what you are good at, maybe you are a good parent, a volunteer, there is just one more step you have to take and get that piece of paper.
“It takes time, there is a lot of learning, but if you put your best foot forward, your next job is closer than you think.”
John’s course is now open for applications in Letterkenny, along with a range of other courses in this area – apply through the links below.
Full-Time
- Healthcare Support (Letterkenny*): https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=412777
- Intellectual Disabilty Practice (Letterkenny*): https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=413652
Part-Time
- Healthcare Service Skills (Buncrana): https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=438427
- Health care – two modules (Letterkenny): https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=440673
Or, if you’re thinking about changing career, upskilling or reskilling in another area, check out the wide range of full-time, part-time and evening courses available around the county with Donegal ETB’s FET Service: https://www.donegaletb.ie/fetcoursefinder.
If you want to talk through your options, contact their Adult Guidance and Information Service by calling 074 9178088 or complete this form and they’ll get back to you: https://www.donegaletb.ie/further-education-training/adult-guidance/.
* Traineeships are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. #EUinMyRegion