Rebecca Needham, a 35-year-old Glendenning resident and recent TAFE NSW graduate found a second job as an education aide, as roles in the area are projected to boom by 17 per cent by 2026.[1]

“When I started caring for children of friends and family for the first time a few years ago, I found watching them grasp new concepts and seeing their confidence grow from learning really enjoyable; all it took was a quick Google of what TAFE NSW was offering, and it all started from there,” Rebecca Needham said.

After gaining work in healthcare through TAFE several years back, study once again provided a pathway into a new industry for Rebecca—part of a bigger recent trend, with almost half of Australians who studied saying they did so to increase their job prospects.[2]

“I've always walked away from a TAFE NSW course feeling ready to enter the industry workforce thanks to the quality of teaching staff, who have always guided me to success through courses and tips to successfully secure employment post-study,” Rebecca Needham said.

The flexible study options available at TAFE NSW were crucial to Rebecca completing her Certificate IV Education Support at TAFE NSW Miller campus while employed during the pandemic.

“Throughout the COVID pandemic I was working on the frontlines of healthcare—while I had classes and assessments. My teacher, and TAFE NSW, had a very flexible approach to helping me get through the course around my work commitments—I couldn’t have done it without that help and support,” Rebecca Needham said.

Gaining industry experience through Certificates III and IV in School Based Education Support was a key for Rebecca finding employment in a local high school.

“The voluntary placement I completed in a K-12 School as part of my TAFE NSW course completion helped me grow in confidence, while helping me find my feet in a new industry,” Rebecca Needham said.

“I walked out of the course with industry-relevant experience under my belt, and had no issue finding education-support employment that worked with my healthcare role,” Rebecca Needham said.

“Each year we equip hundreds of thousands of students with work-ready skills and experience at TAFE NSW—and it’s a pleasure to see successes like Rebecca’s in not just one, but two skills-areas,” TAFE NSW Teacher, Sharon Crowther said.

“The Certificate IV in Education Support is nationally recognised and can lead to employment such as a student learning and support officer, work in community education services, or home tutor. You can work with students in literacy and mathematics studies, and make a real difference in their lives as you help them reach their full potential,” Sharon Crowther said.

Media contact: Reuben Fourt-Wells, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, reuben.fourtwells@tafensw.edu.au, 0451275549.