A mother and daughter became classmates this year in a TAFE NSW course designed to give students an edge in job interviews.

Ulladulla residents Collette McFarlane and her daughter Taleatha might be at different stages in life but they’re united in their goal to improve their employability. Within weeks the training paid off for Collette.

Until recently, Collette had been out of the workforce raising a family for 15 years, now her children are older she wanted to gain the skills and qualifications to re-enter the workforce.

Meanwhile her daughter, Taleatha, who recently graduated from year 12, planned to study and gain new qualifications that would help further her employment options.

The pair enrolled in Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways at TAFE NSW Ulladulla.

The course is designed to increase students’ confidence and prepare them for their next step in study or work.

“I enjoyed working with mum through the TAFE NSW course. Sometimes the challenge for me was to hold back and not help her too much in class,” Taleatha said.

“We think and work well together. We support each other, it was nice to complete this course with her.”

TAFE NSW teachers worked with Collette and Taleatha to improve their employability skills in areas including first aid, digital literacy, writing, numeracy and communication.

Within two weeks of beginning the course, Collette put her new-found confidence and interview skills to the test at Interchange Shoalhaven, a not-for-profit organisation that works with people with disabilities.

“My teacher, Sara Eastway helped me update my CV and prepared me for the job interview,” Collette said.

“It was my first job interview in many years. Sara’s interview preparation is what got me through it.”

Collette’s interview was a success. Interchange Shoalhaven offered her a role as a support worker.

Taleatha has a part time job, and hopes her polished resume and nationally recognised TAFE NSW training will open the door to more employment opportunities. She wants to work in child care or retail.

Interchange Shoalhaven Leader of People and Culture Chris Sedgman encouraged women who had been out of the workforce raising children to consider a career as a support worker.

“Often these women aren’t aware they have many of the skills to work as a carer. The skills they learn as a mother are very transferable to being in a carer career,” Chris said.

“Interchange Shoalhaven helps those with a disability to live their life, their way. With the NDIS there is a high demand for employees in this field.

“TAFE NSW students are highly regarded in our industry because of their hand’s-on training and willingness to learn and develop their skills,” she said.

For more information about TAFE NSW courses in health and disabilities, and for semester two enrolment information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.