30 September 2024

TAFE NSW has helped a Kempsey single mum-of-five gain the practical skills to build a career helping others, despite facing adversity.

Jarrah Edwards, 27, endured a troubled home life growing up, dealing regularly with community services case workers after wrestling with mental health issues and family violence.

After falling pregnant at 18 and now raising her five small children on her own, Ms Edwards turned to TAFE Digital to forge a career helping others in the in-demand community services sector.

She recently completed a Diploma of Community Services through TAFE Digital and is now determined for a career helping others going through what she did as a young person.

“I was exposed to community services workers as a child and they were a really positive influence in my life,” Ms Edwards said.

“Because I have a lived experience with some of the issues others are facing, I want to be the person that helps them get through their challenges.”

The Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Report has listed social workers as one of the top 20 occupations in demand nationally, while Economy ID has revealed the health care and social assistance industry is the largest employer in the Kempsey Shire.

Ms Edwards has had a decade-long affiliation with TAFE NSW, having studied a Tertiary Preparation Certificate at TAFE NSW during her senior schooling years, and completing a Certificate IV in Community Services at TAFE NSW Kempsey in 2015.

She said studying the Diploma of Community Services virtually through TAFE Digital had been an ideal fit for her busy lifestyle.

“It was very flexible with my personal situation and meant I could do assignments and catch up on material when the kids were in bed,” Ms Edwards said.

“The teachers all had so much experience in community services, and I found the case studies that were used in the course really helped me understand the concepts.”

Ms Edwards completed her 100 hours of work placement at Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre while pregnant with her fifth child.

TAFE Digital community services teacher Natalie Hull said the job prospects for diploma graduates were “exceptional”, adding the qualification allowed graduates to work in roles such as case worker, family support worker, welfare worker, and residential care worker.

“Jarrah is a powerful example of how TAFE Digital gives students the practical skills and experience to change their own lives and the lives of others,” Ms Hull said.

“The community services industry is booming and many of our students are gaining employment before they even graduate, so strong is industry demand.”

“The Diploma of Community Services through TAFE Digital is open for anytime enrolment”, she said.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 0477 722 428