Disability worker Hope Morrissey finished school in Year 10 and never liked formal education, but after enrolling with TAFE NSW to upskill at work, she has discovered a newfound thirst for knowledge and passion for study.

The 22-year-old from Dubbo left school at 16 to study beauty therapy, but it didn’t stick. She had several roles in retail and disability support before landing a job with community services provider Social Futures.

Hope, a single mum to two-year-old Carter, excelled in her role assisting people living with disability to access NDIS support services and 18 months later was promoted into a senior role.

In April this year, Hope returned to study to further enhance her career with a Diploma of Community Services, enrolling online through TAFE Digital.

“When I signed up with TAFE NSW I was nervous because I hadn’t done much study and I’m a single mum and working full-time. But I have absolutely fallen in love with it,” she said.

“TAFE NSW is making me push myself harder than I have in the past and it’s improving my time management skills. The Diploma ties in so well with my current role and I’m excited to upskill and continue growing my career in the community sector.”

In June 2021, the National Skills Commission produced the latest Skills Priority List to look at skills shortages in the Australian labour market. It predicted strong future demand for community sector and disability services workers.

Hope said the experienced teachers at TAFE NSW deliver relevant, practical industry knowledge and she also enjoys connecting with her peers.

“I especially love the online forums on Facebook and the TAFE NSW Diploma groups – I connect with so many other people studying and in the same position as me, which makes you feel like you’re not alone,” she said.

“Once I finish the Diploma I want to do a Bachelor of Community Services. In the meantime, I’m also doing three Statement of Attainments in related fields. It’s making me feel really accomplished at such a young age.”

Hope said her busy lifestyle and commitments made studying online the only choice for her.

“I love how the course is self-paced. I need to work full-time as I’m a single mum so going to a classroom one or two days a week or studying face-to-face just wouldn’t work for me,” she said.

“Studying online really fits into my day-to-day life and means I am able to study at night or on the weekends. I’m excited to smash more qualifications and see where TAFE NSW can take me.”

Explore hundreds of courses and pursue your passion with life-changing training at TAFE NSW. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.
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Media contact: Terra Sword, Communications Specialist. Phone: 02 6623 0325. Email: terra.sword@tafensw.edu.au.