After spending years on stage with a successful singing career, 36 year old Fiona Treloar decided to swap the stage for a set square.

Graduating from the Conservatorium of Music and working most weekends performing at weddings and corporate events while also raising a child was one of the reasons Fiona decided to change careers to be a building designer, coupled with a desire to work in a high demand industry.

Fiona is currently studying the Diploma of Building Design and Graduate Diploma of Building Design at TAFE NSW Granville and would eventually like to work in a design firm, which is specifically conscious of environmental issues.

“I chose to study building design for a few reasons; one of which was concern for the environment and what I could contribute to environmental issues during my lifetime. The skills shortage and employment opportunities in the industry also came into play, as well as changing careers to something that I can do as I grow older,” said Fiona Trelaor.

“After reading so many inspirational stories about women who had changed careers was one of the reasons that lead me to choose TAFE NSW,”

Studying at TAFE NSW Granville has been a complete change for Fiona who spent years working almost every weekend as a professional singer.

“Even though there are parts of the course that have really challenged me, my teachers are brilliant – every one of them has gone out of their way to ensure we understand the concepts. They have also been flexible and allowing us plenty of time to catch-up if work or family have taken priority.

“The classroom environment is supportive, a mix of low pressure but high encouragement.”

Fiona is enjoying her career change and has found that she is most engaged in the course when she is learning about eco-friendly designs that are both energy and cost efficient.

“When a design is eco-friendly it means that it’s a much nicer space to live and work in, I’m enjoying learning how to create designs that are sustainable.”

Fiona’s advice for changing careers is, “Signs that you might be keen to change your career are that you keep finding yourself reading or watching content that covers topics close to the new vocation, in your down time. TAFE NSW is an excellent place to test the waters if you are feeling serious about it.”

Building Design courses can be studied at TAFE NSW Granville or online via TAFE Digital, to learn more visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601