TAFE NSW student Ruby Nesbitt is on a high, and with a Student of the Year Award under her belt she has every reason to be.
The 18-year-old Nowra resident was named Student of the Year at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards in the Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills category, earlier this year.
“I was shocked and excited to win this award. When they were reading out what my achievements and what I’m planning to do it was a real boost to my confidence and motivation,” she said.
Ruby left high school in year 10, but unsure of what career path to follow it wasn’t until she was 18 that she decided to get serious about her education and her future.
“I wanted to do something with my life, but I didn’t know what. I came and spoke to some TAFE NSW teachers, they were inspiring and helped me come up with some training and career goals. They helped me realise there are so many career options,” she said.
“I really want to be a nurse. At first, I wanted to work in hospital, but now I’m keen to work in aged care.”
Ruby completed a number of courses which built her skills, knowledge, and confidence to enrol in the Certificate IV Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) offered by TAFE NSW. TPC is a one-year HSC equivalent that provides students with a Tertiary Entrance Score.
She has also started training toward her career in aged care and is aiming to complete the TAFE NSW Diploma of Nursing.
“I think TAFE NSW is a really good option if you’re not sure what you want to do. At first, I thought it would be too adult for me, but it’s not, it’s so inclusive and everyone’s there to help each other,” Ruby said.
“For me studying in this environment gives me independence. The teachers are good at motivating students and are very supportive but at the same time they make it clear your study is your responsibility.”
TAFE NSW Education Career Pathways Teacher Joy Sharpe said TPC students were often students who weren’t happy with their ATAR or had not completed Year 12, or current members of the workforce who wished to change careers and gain entrance to university or higher education through TAFE.
“These Excellence Awards recognise outstanding academic results and people who exhibit exceptional personal qualities. Ruby earned this award by making her education a priority and working hard to get ahead in life.”
She said TAFE NSW Nowra is offering a part time TPC course in semester 2 which takes 18 months to complete. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.