From building cars to supporting good lives for older people

For 14 years, Simon Coulthard made cars for Holden. As the final car rolled off the production line in 2017, Simon, like hundreds of his colleagues, was pondering what was next in his career.

“Every man and his dog were looking for jobs in transport, logistics, security or warehousing,” he said.

“An old school friend gave me a call out of the blue and asked me if I had considered coming and working in the aged care sector with ACH Group.

“I was at the stage of my career where I wanted a completely new challenge, and the move was the best one I could have made.”

Simon started with ACH Group in 2018 as a customer service officer where he underwent a series of work-based training courses to transition to a Home Support Officer in 2020.

In 2021, he moved to a new role as a transition coordinator – supporting Commonwealth Home Support Programme customers moving onto home care packages with ACH Group.

“Even today, I still occasionally get called ‘that guy from Holden’,” Simon laughed.

“I think for many people I don’t fit that typical mould of what people expect an aged care worker to be.

“What I have found though is aged care is a great place for males to work and I believe we can make a valuable contribution to our customers.”

Simon said the best part of his job was to support people find ways to continue to enjoy the little things in life.

“I’ve recently helped a man get access to a motorized wheelchair or a gopher,” he said.

“That has allowed the man to continue to get out and about, maintain his independence and keep his connection with his community.

“I just got a lovely email from them thanking me for my support and help. It is those moments that make this job so rewarding.”

For Simon, the key to a successful career in aged care is as simple as “taking an interest”.

“If anyone wants to make a real difference in people’s lives, they should really look at a career in aged care,” he said.

“By taking an interest and understanding what makes people happy you can really make a difference in their lives.

“It is that ability to make peoples day-to-day better that has made this career so rewarding.”