A Valley Heights woman is reassuring people without an ATAR that higher education dreams do come true. Over the course of six short months, Lydia Lovett has earned an Award for Excellence in Allied Health Assistance at her TAFE NSW graduation and scored entry to a university to study sport and exercise science – all without setting foot in a high school. 
 
Lydia was home-schooled from kindergarten to year 11, and with a burning ambition to pursue a career as a Physiotherapist, Lydia completed a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance at TAFE NSW Kingswood as a pathway to university. 
 
Lydia said the adult learning environment and encouragement from TAFE NSW teachers boosted her confidence and helped her in the transition to higher education. 
 
“I have always wanted to work in the health industry; I was a dancer for around ten years where I suffered injuries and I wanted a role where I could help other people, so physiotherapy was the perfect fit for me. 
 
“I found that in the supportive class environment at TAFE NSW, I felt more comfortable engaging in class. 
 
“Everyone at TAFE NSW made me feel welcome and it motivated me to take a real interest in my learning and my future goals,” Lydia said. 

The Australian Government’s Jobs Outlook reveals the number of people working as Physiotherapists grew very strongly over the past 5 years and is expected to grow very strongly over the next 5 years: from 25,000 in 2018  to 39,800 by 2024.[i]

This year Lydia has commenced studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, something she said would not be possible without TAFE NSW.  
 
TAFE NSW Allied Health Assistance Teacher Vanessa Sutherland said TAFE NSW courses build a pipeline of highly skilled, job-ready graduates to support the growing health industry.   
 
“COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of the health workforce to our communities. Health Assistants have been utilised for many years to ensure the provision of adequate and efficient healthcare amid increased pressures on health services.  
 
Ms Sutherland said the real-world focus of course content and support from industry recognised teachers helped students at TAFE NSW to achieve. 
 
“The Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance course opens the door to a range of fulfilling healthcare careers such as Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physiotherapy Assistants and more. Students come away with the practical skills they need to go straight into work or further study,” Ms Sutherland said. 
 
TAFE NSW has a range of Health Services courses open for semester two enrolment. Visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.  

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW Media Officer, 0408 006 866, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au.  

[i] Australian Government: Job Outlook