Individual Support Trainer, Miliakere Nasaroa, fondly known by her former students as Aunty Mili at the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), has shown that success can be achieved with passion, hard work, and support.
A graduate of APTC and a highly regarded trainer during her 9-year stint with APTC, Miliakere recently landed an exciting opportunity as an International Trainer for Aged Care in Malaysia after recognition from her former students’ employer for her proven skills in training.
Mili attributes her success to the transformative power of skills development through technical and vocational education and training. She sees skills training as a catalyst for change, a force that can shape lives when embraced with determination.
Mili’s influence extends beyond the classroom. She has empowered Pacific Island and Timor-Leste students to find work in their communities and overseas, contributing to a higher standard of aged care training in the region.
Maria Buatoka, trained by Mili in 2021, shared, “Mili’s positive approach made the classes engaging and the knowledge truly impactful. She’s patient, kind, and a fantastic trainer – not just an instructor, but also a friend and mentor.”
Another student, Meresaini Vukilewa, also shared that as a trainer, “Aunty Mili ensured everyone understood the material and provided exceptional support. I’m incredibly grateful for everything she has done,” she said.
These glowing reviews, coupled with the success of her students who have thrived abroad, have earned Mili recognition from her community and students across the Pacific and Timor-Leste and contributed to the international training role offered to her.
The company was pleased with the quality of service by the APTC graduates working for them in Australia and had sought Mili to offer her a training role based in Malaysia.
So, what sets Mili apart? “The knowledge and experience I gained at APTC gave me the confidence to share my expertise with students,” Mili explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them learn from my journey and become the best carers they can be,” she said.
“APTC’s unique approach plays a crucial role. Trainers are not only educators but also possess practical skills and industry knowledge. This, combined with ongoing training, empowers them to prepare students for real-world careers,” she added.
Mili’s career began in individual support in New Zealand in 2005. Working in rest homes reignited her passion for aged care, leading her to pursue qualifications in New Zealand before returning to Fiji in 2014.
In 2015, Mili enrolled at APTC and graduated with certificates in Aged Care, as well as Home and Community Care. This led her to join APTC as a tutor soon after. To further enhance her skills, she also obtained a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
“Throughout my teaching experience, I’ve seen the positive impact my real-world experience has on student learning,” Mili says. “Students can easily grasp the concepts because they’re grounded in practical application.”
Mili is ready for the new challenge in Kuala Lumpur. She hopes to continue upholding the international standard of training that she has perfected over the years for her new students.
“I’m excited to be sharing my knowledge in Malaysia. I want to showcase the talent and skills that Pacific people have in the aged care sector. I hope to bring the same dedication to this new role. I’ve witnessed the positive impact our students from the Pacific have globally, and I want to continue that.”
Reflecting on her career with APTC, Mili finds immense satisfaction in sharing her knowledge and witnessing her students blossom and achieve their goals.
Her message to future students is, “Believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and focus on making a positive difference. APTC offers exceptional professional development for upskilling, including microcredentials – use it and don’t miss this opportunity.”
