A North St Mary’s mum has landed her first job in two decades after going back to the classroom at the age of 41.

Mother-of-seven Mellanie Shield (pictured right) left high school in year nine and is now studying a Certificate IV in Aged Support at TAFE NSW Kingswood. Mellanie has been offered a job as a disability support worker at Osan Ability Assist and has credited her TAFE NSW teachers for her success.

Mellanie said “The support I received from my teachers has helped me overcome the hesitance and fear of reengaging in education after a long time away raising my children.

“I have the practical skills and confidence to take on the community services industry and I can truly say that TAFE NSW has changed my life in so many ways.

“I’m in a career I love and working in an industry that is making a difference in people’s lives.”

Mellanie said the most rewarding part of her job is getting to know her clients and help them achieve their goals, whether it is driving them to appointments or guiding them in their personal daily activities. 

As the industry faces increasing demand for services because of Australia’s aging population, jobs like Mellanie’s are becoming more crucial. According to the Australian Council of Social Services, 60 per cent of community sector workers reported an increase in the number of clients their service was unable to support during 2019.1

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Community Services, Wendy Howe, said TAFE NSW works closely with local aged care and disability support facilities to arrange work experience for students to learn and practice their skills in an employment setting.  

“Aged care and community services workers continue to be in demand and Mellanie is the perfect example of practical skills taught at TAFE NSW directly leading to employment opportunities in a rewarding job.

“Whether you’re a mature age student, looking for a career change or a school leaver, studying a  

Certificate IV in Aged Support can lead to many different career paths in a growing industry.”

To find out more about community services courses available for semester two at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information. 

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211