From care to career

Sharlin's journey began when she came to Aotearoa from Fiji at 21 years old to complete the National Support of Older People Level 3 qualifications, having felt that she wanted to pursue a career in helping others and making a difference.

She started with Metlifecare in 2016 when she joined The Poynton team as a casual Home Support Worker. A year later, she became a permanent member of the team.

With Metlifecare's support, she completed her Assessor Course with Careerforce and was offered a part-time role to assist staff struggling with their Careerforce studies.

Initially, Sharlin supported the West and North Auckland sites, gradually extending her assistance to the wider Auckland and Hamilton areas. By 2022, she had become an integral part of the People Team at the Support Office, serving as the Careers Progression Coordinator, and supporting all Metlifecare caregiving staff with their training.

Sharlin's experience as a caregiver on the floor provided her with essential knowledge and insight, allowing her to effectively support Metlifecare staff. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Working as a caregiver was a challenging yet transformative experience. Each day presented new obstacles but overcoming them with resilience and adaptability has been invaluable in my career progression. I hope my journey can inspire others to see the potential in their own career paths.”

She cherished her time with residents and their families, particularly those with Dementia. “I met people with different disabilities, life experiences, and health conditions, and I admired their undying spirit and positivity.”

Encouraged by her manager while working at The Poynton, Sharlin pursued a support role. The recognition of her skills, suggestions, and opinions made her feel valued, fostering her personal and professional growth. “During my transition from caregiving to the People Team, Metlifecare provided unwavering support and recognition. They allowed me to attend workshops and seminars, and approved study days to further develop my skills and knowledge.”

Today, Sharlin works with caregivers, providing , guiding role transitions, and offering mentoring and training support. She was part of the team that updated the current orientation workbooks for all levels of caregivers in collaboration with the Workforce Development Council. This initiative allowed Metlifecare to employ staff, complete their orientation, and transition into Level 2 caregiver roles within three months.

“I have witnessed Metlifecare’s remarkable growth in aged care. They have implemented various employee programs and training opportunities to enhance staff skills and knowledge. One notable initiative I’ve been involved in is supporting staff in obtaining their Careerforce/NZQA recognized qualifications, enabling caregivers, cleaners, and activities staff to pursue qualifications while working full-time.”

Sharlin envisions continuing her work in the aged care sector, focusing on providing educational pathways. “The residents and people I I’ve met along my journey are beautiful people. Working with them has given me a deeper understanding of life through their experiences.”

Sharlin's passion and contributions are highly appreciated by Metlifecare. Her experience as a caregiver has allowed her to bring firsthand knowledge to her role, providing exceptional support to other caregivers as they continue their education and training.