Graduate Ruth Li has taken advantage of the NSW Government’s JobTrainer scheme to study fee-free at TAFE NSW and make the leap from stay-at-home mum to full-time logistics worker.

Ruth completed the job-seeking skills course Statement of Attainment in Education and Employment Pathways at TAFE NSW Hornsby, which is designed to provide students with an introduction to vocational training and employment pathway options and is available at 13 campus locations across NSW and online. 

After working in the tourism sector for many years and then taking four years of maternity leave to raise her young family, Ruth Li was looking to change careers and get back into the workforce. 

“I wanted to change my career as there were limited job opportunities in the tourism industry in which I used to work for many years,” Ruth said.

“I discovered the TAFE Statement in Education and Employment Pathways and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I also found that I would be eligible to study fee-free thanks to the NSW Government’s JobTrainer scheme.”

Ruth completed her course and was able to book an interview with the very first resume she sent out. She’s now employed in a logistics role, bucking the trend in an industry in which only 21.9 per cent of the workforce are female1. 

“The job-hunting course was very practical, and we were visited by industry professionals during workshops which gave us an opportunity to network and learn more about what is expected when going to job interviews,” Ruth said. 

“I started out with a very low level of confidence as I have very limited social skills as a full-time mum and wasn’t sure if would still be competitive in the job market. The skills I learned, and the support of my teacher empowered me to step out of my comfort zone.”

TAFE NSW Career Pathways & Employability Skills teacher Josie Corcoles said the course helps job-seekers to gain the confidence and skills to get the job they want. 

“Sometimes all you need is that little extra push to change your career and your life. The job-seeking skills Statement in Education and Employment Pathways sets students up with a solid foundation to pursue further education or gain employment,” Josie said.

Ruth is continuing her study by enrolling in a flexible Community Services course through TAFE Digital and is encouraging anyone with the desire to change careers or pursue further study to try TAFE NSW.

“Do not wait for another time. Just enroll. If you have that little voice inside telling you maybe a course at TAFE NSW would help, do it right now.” 

To learn more about education and employability pathways available at TAFE NSW head to www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.   

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.