Meet the Training Team

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the Training Team at Rocky Bay: Anne, Howard and Mariama.

This dedicated trio plays a vital role in ensuring our staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver the highest standard of care.

Thanks to their expertise, our customers continue to receive the support that’s not only the best, but also the right fit for their needs.

Read on to get to know the people behind the training team!

Can you introduce yourselves and tell us a bit about your roles within the training team?

Howard: I am a Registered Nurse and trainer and I have been at Rocky Bay for 2 years. I provide training for Rocky Bay staff in Annual Refresher, induction and as needed at Supported Accommodation for teams or individual staff. I also provide training for support workers at other organisations and for education assistants at schools.

Anne: I am a Registered Nurse and trainer and provide training for Rocky Bay staff in Annual Refresher, induction and as needed at Supported Accommodation for teams or individual staff. I also provide training for support workers at other organisations and for education assistants at schools.

Mariama: I have been a Training Officer at Rocky Bay for the past five years. I currently deliver the Certificate III in Individual Support traineeship program for internal staff working as a support worker. I deliver induction training to new inductees who have joined Rocky Bay. I deliver Annual Refresher training to support workers and Team Leaders to keep up their industry skills and knowledge. I also deliver External Manual Tasks to individuals and different organisations.

What does a typical day look like for the training team?

Howard and Anne: Coffee first! Then preparing for and delivering a variety of training sessions at our hubs or at supported accommodation. We liaise with Team Leaders and outside organisations regarding training needs of support workers.

Mariama: Preparation of the training room if I have a session, work on lesson plans, liaise with Team Leaders and students to book CERT III in Individual Support workplace observations. I also liaise with other members in the team to prepare resources for the next training.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Howard: Talking with staff and hearing about the challenges and successes they have in their work. I come into contact with customers, especially here at Mosman Park and enjoy meeting them. Also when we run the external medication management training we have people from overseas, some very new to Australia, as well as attendees who are renewing or want to get back into the Sector. I enjoy meeting them all, and I’m pleased they have chosen Rocky Bay as their training provider because our medication management course will give them a good start.

Anne: I enjoy working with staff and passing my knowledge on.

Mariama: Sharing my skills and knowledge that I have in the health industry with my CERT III in Individual Support students and other participants from external organisations.

What kind of training programs have had the most impact across the organisation?

Howard: The induction programme and individualised training

Anne: I think the induction program and individual training for teams have had the most impact as this is specific to customers’ needs at Rocky Bay.

Mariama: I think medication and manual handling has been a great session for participants in the health industry. The way the two courses have been packaged allows participants to meet with demands from their employers.

Can you share a moment when you saw the impact of your training in action?

Howard and Anne: Staff are confident in completing a new task or skill with good training. Staff understand the theory or reasons behind the practice.

Mariama: Observing my students in action with their customers in the workplace, applying their skills and knowledge of what they have learnt in the Certificate III Individual Support sessions gives me great joy

What type of organisations or individuals do you provide training to outside of Rocky Bay?

Howard and Anne: Schools, other NDIS providers and individuals who come for medication training.

Mariama: Uniting WA, Identity WA and individuals who currently work in the Disability and Aged Care Sector.

How do our customers benefit from the training delivered by the team?

Howard and Anne: A well-trained support worker can confidently care and support a customer.

Mariama: Sharing my skills and knowledge that I have in the health industry with inductees will help them to understand their legal and ethical responsibilities in the workplace. It will boost their confidence and make them  job ready to support our customers.

How do you keep your own skills and knowledge up to date?

Howard: I must complete mandatory professional development for my Registered Nurse registration. I am currently working towards my Master’s in nursing and have completed a postgraduate degree in Nursing education.

Anne: I must complete mandatory professional development for my Registered Nurse registration and trainer registration.

Mariama: Professional development in courses every year that relate to my role.

If your team had a motto, what would it be?

Howard: Be Curious… never stop learning!

Anne: Let’s do it!

Mariama: Let’s make training fun as you learn ☺️

Learn more about the Rocky Bay training here: https://www.rockybay.org.au/training/