27 September 2021

A TAFE NSW Nowra aged care class has achieved a remarkable collective job outcome, with 80 per cent of the class securing jobs before graduating and helping fill the industry’s critical skills shortage.

Nineteen of the 24 students in the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) at TAFE NSW Nowra, which graduated last month, were offered paid work at a local aged care facility after completing work placement.

It comes after a Productivity Commission report found more than 3.5 million Australians were expected to be using aged care services by 2050, about triple the current number.

Worrigee grandmother Sharon Wilson, 61, secured a job at the IRT Group just weeks after commencing the TAFE NSW Nowra aged care course.

“Because of my age I was very hesitant to enrol because I knew a lot of it would be done online,” Mrs Wilson said.

“But I had such a great experience and the teachers were so supportive in helping me navigate the technology and answer any questions I had.

“The practical components were so hands-on and relevant to the workplace. In the aged care lab at TAFE NSW Nowra, we learned things like administering medication, getting people off the floor and rolling them over in bed, and it was hugely helpful.

“I love working in aged care and it’s very rewarding to help older Australians maintain their dignity.”

TAFE NSW Nowra aged care teacher Tracey Newcombe said TAFE NSW’s close ties with local aged care facilities meant she regularly fielded calls from employers looking for students to fill positions.

“Our aged care students are in such high demand because of the industry-leading practical skills and workplace experience available through TAFE NSW,” Ms Newcombe said.

“Providing dignity and care to our older residents is one of the most important jobs anyone can do and there are so many job opportunities out there for our graduates.

“Having a qualification that gives you almost guaranteed employment will be even more attractive in the post-COVID jobs market.”

To find out more about studying at TAFE NSW, call 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, (02) 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428