TAFE NSW is playing a pivotal role in training the next generation of healthcare workers and providing life-saving training in Western Sydney to address a critical shortage of nurses.

The most recent Health Workforce Australia report showed demand for nurses significantly exceeds supply with a projected national shortfall of approximately 85,000 nurses by 2025. In Western Sydney, the Quarter health and education precinct in Penrith alone is expected to create 6,000 jobs in the next 10 years and new nurses will be needed to meet that demand.

President of the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, Karen Booth, said COVID-19 has highlighted the crucial need for nurses in our communities and said TAFE NSW is key to meeting future workforce demand.

“Right now, we need nurses and healthcare workers who can hit the ground running when they graduate. TAFE NSW has a track record of providing an excellent training ground for our new workers because of it’s practical, hands-on training,” Ms Booth said.

Ms Booth said finding the right people for the right jobs was an important factor in building a healthy and productive workforce.

“Nursing is a profession driven by passion and a sense of purpose, so it’s important we guide and support new nurses and healthcare workers into the roles they resonate with,” Ms Booth said.

“I have found that because TAFE NSW has industry-qualified teachers, they develop workers that are well-trained, and also provide career guidance so that students find their niche and enjoy successful, fulfilling careers.”

Diploma of Nursing student Tarnie Horner from Blaxland is currently studying a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Kingswood. The 22-year-old is studying for free under JobTrainer after COVID-19 left her out of work.

“TAFE NSW has been a great opportunity for me, especially with the government support. I was working in hospitality and had lost all my income, so JobTrainer allowed me to study without any financial strain,” Tarnie said.

“I had always wanted to do nursing as I come from a family of nurses. I love working with people and being able to help them in a time of need. The TAFE NSW resources have been amazing. There are simulated wards and real-life equipment to learn with and the teachers have all worked in the field, so it absolutely prepares you for the job and transitioning straight into work.”

Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Head of Skills Team for Western Sydney, Anne Goonetilleke, said the Diploma of Nursing offers a pathway into nursing in just 18 months.

“Since the NSW Government invested in JobTrainer 12 months ago, more than 136,000 people have undertaken free training and that number is growing by the day,” Ms Goonetilleke said.

“TAFE NSW also has formalised agreements within the public and private health sector for students to complete work placements and seek employment opportunities. There has never been a better time to consider a career in nursing.”

Explore hundreds of courses in nursing and healthcare at TAFE NSW. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Terra Sword, Communications Specialist. Phone: 6623 0325. Email: terra.sword@tafensw.edu.au.