A local Lakemba taxi driver who used the COVID-19 pandemic to reskill in his dream career at TAFE NSW is now encouraging others contemplating a career change to enrol in a course in 2021.

Mostafizur Rahman just completed a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking and Certificate IV in Banking Service at TAFE NSW Bankstown. He is now studying a Statement of Attainment in Financial Customer Complaints in the hopes of kick starting his career in the banking sector.

Mostafizur said the courses have helped develop his hands-on skills in both finance lending and customer service.

“My work was really quiet during the lockdown period and I wanted to use that time to develop my skills so I could help others with their finance and banking needs,” Mostafizur said.

“The support I’ve received at TAFE NSW has been great in helping build my confidence to pursue employment opportunities in the industry, especially being trained by teachers who are highly regarded in industry.”

The Federal Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme paired with the Home Builder program and efforts by banks to provide relief to households by offering attractive fixed interest rates, has contributed to the demand for financial services such as mortgage broking.

TAFE NSW teacher in Accounting, Banking and Finance, Alexandria Arfanis, said now was the perfect time to enrol in a TAFE NSW course for those considering a career change or looking for a head start in the industry.

“Students can enrol in the Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking at any time in the year, allowing them to be qualified faster and pursue their dream job without delay,” Ms Arfanis said.

“At a time where there is a lot of financial uncertainty and record low interest rates, Australians are depending on financial services, which is why we have seen a demand for skilled workers in this industry.”

To enrol in a finance or banking course for Semester 1, 2021, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

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