Jaymie Rawlings
After a 15-year absence from the workforce, Jaymie Rawlings is now happily employed doing something she loves.
She got to this place with the support of Ara tutors and staff, initially taking a New Outlook for Women course, followed by a certificate in business administration.
“Before studying at Ara I was a full-time single mum raising my children and looking after a few health issues I had,” she says. “I wanted to upskill and get into business admin and I chose Ara because the hours of the course worked for my school-aged children and also the location suited me.”
Jaymie enjoyed meeting people and making friends at Ara, and says her course exceeded her expectations.
“The tutors were amazing and so friendly and helpful. They took things slow, so it was easy to follow, and they were always glad to answer questions and go back over stuff.”
She says she learned lots of useful things like computer shortcuts, how to be diplomatic in emails and letters, and how to prepare for job interviews. “It gave me the skills to do the job and also to manage life and everyday challenges.”
Towards the end of her studies, Jaymie suffered a significant personal bereavement. “I lost my sister during assessment time, so that was really hard. My tutors told me I could take time off, but I wanted to continue my course as I was close to finishing. They gave me amazing support - I wouldn’t have made it through without them.”
Despite that very difficult personal experience, Jaymie graduated successfully and quickly found a job to suit her new-found skills.
“I’m currently working as a Learning Facilitator with learning impaired students at Ara, which I love so much.
Jaymie says Ara prepared her for work by giving her “the tools necessary to be able to handle difficult situations with a professional and tactful approach” and has a nugget of advice for anyone else considering studying business admin at Ara.
“Do it – you won’t regret it. It’s a great course with the best tutors.”