Kalya Mini didn’t think she was smart enough to become a nurse, but TAFE Digital helped the Mudgee mum follow her passion and realise a lifelong dream.

Kalya, a single mum to six-year-old Mason, was working casually as a make-up artist in 2020 when COVID-19 hit and her part-time work evaporated.

Finding herself without work and eager to improve on her Year 10 education, Kalya took the brave step to enrol in a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance with TAFE Digital.

“I had always wanted to be a nurse, and when COVID happened I saw how appreciated nurses were and how much they were needed, and it gave me the extra push to go for it,” the 31-year-old said.

“I wanted a career path I was passionate about but I’m not very book smart, I’m really hands on, so for me study was a really big deal. When I finished my first assessment and got a pass, it just sparked a fire in me. It made me realise I could do it.”

Kalya said the flexibility to learn how and when she wanted through TAFE Digital, combined with the individual support from teachers, was exactly what she needed to thrive.

“As a single mum looking for work, TAFE Digital really suited my lifestyle, and I just studied whenever I could find the time. Not having the pressure of scheduled classes was fantastic,” Kalya said.

“The support I got from my TAFE Digital teachers was just amazing – they went above and beyond to help me and the feedback they gave me was really detailed so I could improve as I went along. They really supported me to find the pathway and the knowledge I needed to succeed.”

Fast forward 12 months and Kalya has completed her course with flying colours and has part-time work with Rural Nursing Services in Mudgee.

Kalya is pleased to be working in a strong growth industry, with Health Workforce Australia’s latest report indicating a possible shortage of 85,000 nurses by 2025, predominantly in regional areas.

“The TAFE NSW qualification is definitely what got me the job,” she said.

“There is lots of work available but you have to have a qualification. The experience I got from my work placement at Gulgong Hospital helped me develop my skills and now I’m doing outreach work helping people to continue living independently in their homes – and I love it.”

Earlier this year, Kalya successfully applied for a scholarship through the Federal Government’s JobTrainer program and is now studying a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Dubbo.

“Eventually I want to work in an ICU [Intensive Care Unit] or emergency department. I love a challenge and I love an adrenalin rush, so I think I can do it,” she said.

“I’ve always wanted to care for people, but I never had the self-confidence. TAFE NSW helped give me that confidence to go for it. I love the fact that every day I make a difference in someone’s life.”

Explore hundreds of courses and pursue your passion with life-changing training at TAFE NSW. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.
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Media contact: Terra Sword, Communications Specialist. Phone: 0437 697 723. Email: terra.sword@tafensw.edu.au.