A growing number of older Australians are turning to TAFE NSW to retrain for a rewarding career in the growing healthcare industry, with demand for skilled workers expected to increase by 14.9% over the next four years.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, health care and social assistance is one of the top industries of employment for older people.

Students like 55-year-old Ultimo local Nigel Fletcher are joining the industry at the right time. After studying the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy) course through TAFE Digital, he now works as an Allied Health Assistant at Royal North Shore Hospital.

“I was working as a group fitness manager when COVID-19 hit. It was a scary and uncertain time which made me reassess my career and think about my options. I’ve always had a passion for the health industry, so I decided to enrol in the Certificate IV and haven’t look back,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The flexibility of studying online and the support of my teachers allowed me to fit my learning around working full time and two lockdowns. I had my eyes set on working in a large acute hospital and am so honoured to be working on the neurosciences and neurology wards at Royal North Shore Hospital – it’s been life-changing.

“Helping our patients with their recovery process is so rewarding, and I’ve even been able to apply my fitness knowledge and pilates training by delivering daily group balance classes. I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing online through Western Sydney University and am looking forward to becoming a Registered Nurse one day.

“Age is just a number and it's never too late to keep learning and find something that you are very passionate about. I am so glad I made the leap and have never been happier. My advice for anyone wanting to learn a new skill or career is to just do it – you are in good hands with TAFE NSW.”

TAFE Digital Head Teacher Pooja Thapliyal said there is huge demand for skilled workers in the healthcare industry, and students like Nigel are proof that it’s never too late to join the sector.

“It’s great to see mature-aged students like Nigel returning to study later in life to gain new skills and pursue a rewarding career in healthcare,” Ms Thapliyal said.

“Throughout the course, Nigel has been able to build on his existing wealth of knowledge and life experience and I have no doubt he will continue to make a difference to others through his work, like our other graduates.”

Media contact: Emma Hughes, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.hughes51@tafensw.edu.au