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Flower power
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Sandra Buckles attributes her late but successful career change to the diligence and persistence of her current employer, Pennie Targenza, owner and manager of Country Flowers, a gift and florist shop in Yarrawonga, a rural town on the Murray River.
“If it wasn’t for Pennie’s foresight and her dogged belief in me, I probably wouldn’t have ever considered an apprenticeship at this stage of my life,” said Sandra. Pennie recognised Sandra’s keen eye for colour, perspective and the gentle touch and attention to detail that is so important in working with flowers. Combined with a work ethic developed over 40 years of solid employment, Pennie saw that Sandra was an opportunity waiting to happen.
Sandra had worked for a number of years at Albury Hospital, initially as a residential carer, then within the hospital’s mental health unit and then as the executive assistant for the director of the hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “I really enjoyed my time with the Albury Hospital and had no real intention of leaving the health industry, at least within the foreseeable future.”
But in 1994, Sandra was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. As the disease progressed, the 200-kilometre round trip from home to work each day was taking its toll and eventually Sandra needed to give up her coveted position and seek work closer to home.
After one serious bout of the illness Sandra completed a short course in floristry. It was after this that Pennie offered a trial at Country Flowers and this became the turning point in what could have been quite a sad story. Aware of Sandra’s disability, Pennie suggested she shorten her work hours to better manage the condition. As a consequence Sandra currently works one day on, one day off, throughout the week.
Pennie also wanted to ensure that Sandra’s disability did not prevent her from undertaking further training, particularly in light of her very evident aptitudes and abilities, so she convinced her newest staff member to take on a New Apprenticeship. Eager to make the most of the break being given to her, Sandra started her New Apprenticeship in Certificate 3 Floristry in March 2005.
“I don’t see age or disability being a barrier to starting afresh, whether it’s a new town, new relationship or new career,” the spirited 57 year old said. “I’m really very excited by the prospect of getting my teeth into a brand new career again even though I will be in my early 60s when I finally qualify as a florist.”
Sandra Buckles is blooming in her floristry apprenticeship. |
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