19 March 2024

TAFE NSW Finley has helped a former fast food manager and trout farm worker find her true calling by entering the aged care industry.

Tocumwal mum-of-two Shanae Dolheguy, 30, had long dreamed of working in a caring profession but a need to support her family in the short term saw her work a succession of jobs at McDonald’s, in a local trout farm and at the supermarket checkout.

Yearning for something more meaningful, she chanced upon an ad for an aged care trainee at Tocumwal Lions Hostel in 2021, enrolling in a fee-free Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) at TAFE NSW Finley to give her the practical skills to thrive in the role.

It comes as a recent report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) warned that the skills shortage in aged care in Australia could reach 110,000 or more in the next decade and 400,000 by 2050.

Ms Dolheguy said the opportunity to simultaneously “earn and learn” as a trainee allowed her to manage work, study, and the family finances.

“For someone with a mortgage and kids, the ability to work and study at the same time was a game changer,” Ms Dolheguy said.

“I’ve always loved the older generation and to be a voice for them, to help give them more dignity, really is an honour.

“Every day is different in aged care and you do get close to the residents.”

Ms Dolheguy has since completed her traineeship and has now set her sights on becoming a Registered Nurse, with plans to enrol in a Diploma of Nursing this year.

TAFE NSW Finley aged care teacher Kim Mills said TAFE NSW’s close ties with local aged care providers meant graduates could get almost-guaranteed work in the field.

“Our aged care students are in such high demand because of the industry-leading practical skills and workplace experience available through TAFE NSW,” Ms Mills said.

“Providing dignity and care to our older residents is one of the most important jobs anyone can do and there are so many job opportunities out there for our graduates, as Shanae has again showed.

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, Daniel.johns9@tafensw.edu.au, 0477 722 428