Perspective: A Second Chance at Early Education
Transitioning Professionally: Nursing Background Swapped for an Educational Career at Age 40
Each morning at 7:07 AM, residents of Bergisch Gladbach receive a local news digest.
For Verena Scholz, a 44-year-old former elder care worker, this daily update serves as a reminder of her exciting new career as an educator in a local kindergarten.
The Journey to a Times of Change
After devoting 18 years to elder care, Scholz made the bold decision to embark on a new path, opting for educator training at the age of 40. The profession, often viewed through the lens of staff shortages and work overloads, seemed like a risky choice, but for Scholz, there was no turning back.
Her enthusiasm for her new job shines through as she shares her experiences. "I can truly be myself," she says, her eyes sparkling with passion. The rewarding interaction with children and her ability to make a meaningful impact on their growth makes this career the perfect fit for Scholz.
Staff Shortages in Kindergartens: A Growing Concern
The scarcity of qualified educators has been a recurring topic of discussion, with the sector grappling with an acute shortage of workers. High workloads, burnout, and retirements leave the profession lackluster, creating a vicious cycle as existing staff struggle to cope.
The choice to enter such a demanding field at Scholz' age required resilience and optimism that seems to be paying off for her.
The Switch: From Caring for the Elderly to Caring for the Young
"I always regarded my apprenticeship at my age as a privilege," Scholz reflects on her earlier career in elder care. Packed with overtime hours and irregular commitments, her work schedule took a toll on her. Shift work, including three weeks of on-call duty at a stretch, left her no choice but to reassess her work-life balance.
To find a more meaningful activity, Scholz delved into learning, taking on a part-time teaching position at an Open Extended Day School (OGS) along with a 90-hour training course at the Catholic Education Center. The insights and knowledge gained fueled her determination to pursue educator training.
The Present: A Multifaceted Training Experience
In summer 2021, Verena Scholz embarked on the practice-integrated training as an educator, or PiA, at the Berufskolleg Bergisch Gladbach. This three-year program balances classroom learning with practical experience in kindergartens, OGSs, or similar facilities. Scholz' practical training took place at a kindergarten in Bergisch Gladbach, providing ample opportunities to put her ideas and skills into action.
However, initial excitement gave way to challenges as significant difficulties arose with the kindergarten management, causing several colleagues to depart. Scholz' resilience from her previous training and work experience facilitated her perseverance, and she quickly found a new placement at a forest kindergarten, which proved to be a rewarding change.
The Future: A Happy and Fulfilling Second Chapter
Scholz's training brought immense joy and satisfaction, enriched by her interactions with fellow students, teachers, and educators. While her more mature age made her one of the oldest trainees in her class, age was never an issue, with the overarching atmosphere at school characterized by mutual respect and collaboration.
As an educator, Scholz now works in a Cologne kindergarten, where she continues to find fulfillment in helping shape young minds. "I can truly capitalize on my skills and resources," she reflects, "It's a privilege to be so intrinsically involved with the children's growth and development."
In her new career as an educator, Verena Scholz found a meaningful way to apply her skills and resources, making a positive impact on the growth and development of young children. Despite the challenges she faced during her training, the supportive atmosphere at the school helped her thrive.
In her past, Verena Scholz realized that her career in elder care, while meaningful in its own way, did not quite align with her personal lifestyle preferences. She discovered her passion for education-and-self-development and career-development opportunities by embarking on a training program at the Berufskolleg Bergisch Gladbach.
