12 March 2024

TAFE NSW has empowered a Tumut man to join one of the region’s most in-demand workforces and at the same time help shape health outcomes for the local Aboriginal community.

Proud Wiradjuri/Ngunnawa man Tana Scott, 19, was unsure of his future career path before a snap decision in year 12 at Tumut High changed the course of his professional life.

Mr Scott enrolled in a school-based traineeship as an allied health assistant, splitting his time between working at Tumut Hospital, studying at school and completing a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance at TAFE NSW.

Allied health assistance, one of the fastest growing roles in the booming healthcare sector, offers support to the nearly 200,000 allied health professionals nationwide, covering areas such as physiotherapy, optometry, speech pathology, occupational therapy and more.

Mr Scott last year completed a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance at TAFE NSW and remains working as an Aboriginal Health Worker, specialising in physiotherapy at Tumut Hospital.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to help my mob and be a positive figure in their lives,” Mr Scott said. “Watching them recover and knowing you played a part in helping them overcome their health challenges is an amazing feeling.”

Mr Scott acts in a support role for the on-duty physiotherapist, coordinating patient care by organising appointments, coordinating health and welfare programs and completing administrative tasks

He said the practical, hands-on nature of his TAFE NSW course meant he could make an immediate impact on the job.

“My TAFE NSW teachers were so experienced and supportive, and we did so many simulations and so much practical learning during the course,” Mr Scott said.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Owen Kerr said the course was giving local students like Mr Scott the in-demand skills to make a career pivot and contribute to the health of the local community.

“Allied health assistance is a rapidly growing field of healthcare and there are so many opportunities for TAFE NSW graduates,” Mr Kerr said. “It covers so many specialisations and the students have an advantage because they’re already working in a clinical or semi-clinical setting.

“It’s a great example of how TAFE NSW can tailor training to best suit industry and organisational needs.”

The course runs for 12 months and offer a mix of face-to-face and online learning, with students required to complete 120 hours of work placement.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, Daniel.johns9@tafensw.edu.au, 0477 722 428