July 8, 2004 - 5:00pm
George Adams worked as a roofer in Nanaimo for 23 years but a near fatal accident forced him to change careers.
Adams fell 30 feet while working on a roof at Harmac, and shattered one of his ankles. After many operations and 10 weeks of rehabilitation, Adams received the dreaded news - his career as a roofer was over.
"My first thought was, what do I do now?" said the 49-year-old Nanaimo resident. "I had a wife, two kids, and a mortgage."
Adams received aptitude testing through Worker’s Compensation Board. The results, plus a high demand for workers in the health care field, led Adams to consider Malaspina University-College’s six-month Home Support/Resident Care Attendant program.
The idea of returning to school was scary," admitted Adams. "I hadn’t been in school for 32 years. I’d dropped out in high school."
Adams completed grade 11 and 12 English and math through Malaspina’s Adult Basic Education program, and then enrolled in the six month Home Support/Resident Care Attendant program.
Adams praises his Malaspina instructors in ABE and the Home Support/Resident Care Attendant program for helping him to gain the necessary skills to launch a successful career change. "All of the instructors were wonderful, caring, and very supportive," he said.
A highlight of the program was the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in practicum settings at local facilities. Adams spent six weeks working at Kiwanis Lodge, four weeks at Dufferin Place extended care facility and two weeks on the road with Nanaimo Home Support.
One week after graduation, in March 2003, Adams landed a permanent job with Nanaimo Home Support. He works with a wide variety of people, including paraplegics, palliative care patients, and clients with dementia. His job entails providing home support - from assisting with personal care and hygiene, to cooking meals, to providing respite for caregivers.
"People say that everything happens for a reason," said Adams, "and I believe that. Yes, I took a $9 an hour pay cut from my former job as a roofer, but I can honestly say that I love what I’m doing now. I’m happy. I love getting out of bed in the morning and can’t wait to go to work.
"I wish I had taken this course years ago. It’s an excellent program that has definitely made me a better person. I no longer jump to conclusions, I have improved people skills and a better ability to sit back and look at a situation from other people’s point of view. Perhaps most importantly, the course taught me to have and show compassion and respect for others. I wouldn’t change this job or my current situation for anything."
The next intake for the Home Support/Resident Care Attendant program is September. The program is offered at the Nanaimo, Cowichan and Powell River campuses. For further information, please call 740-6243.
Tags: In the Community
