In an effort to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, TAFE NSW is providing students with quality hands-on training for careers in nursing, aged care, disability support, health administration, allied health support, home and community care, and Aboriginal health education.    
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The healthcare and social assistance sector stands as Australia’s single largest employer, boasting over 2.2 million workers, of which 76 per cent are women, like Casino local, Charlotte Campbell, who recently competed a Certificate III in Individual Support at TAFE NSW and was recently accepted to study a Diploma of Nursing. 

"I've always loved looking after people and helping with my younger siblings. I like the idea of being the person who can support people going through challenges when they have no one else,” she said.

At 17, Charlotte has already started her career in healthcare after leaving school, and has her sights set on working as a registered nurse. After gaining employment in aged care during her TAFE NSW studies, Charlotte now works in homecare with Southern Cross Care in addition to her further study.

"When I left school in year 11, I knew TAFE NSW was the right path to take to help me achieve my goal of becoming a nurse. My TAFE NSW teacher was the best – she worked with students individually and made sure we all felt supported. 

"I enjoy getting to know clients and hearing about their lives and I've had experience working alongside people from different backgrounds.   

“My TAFE NSW training has taught me the importance of communication, as well as the practical clinical skills I need on the job, and this experience will help throughout my Diploma and my whole career,” Charlotte said.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Allied Health and Nursing, Colleen Gaudron, said she’s been pleased to see an increase in young women choosing to study health care and nursing, particularly as the demand for nurses increases, with a projected shortfall of 123,000 nurses in Australia by 2030.

“Fee-free training has removed financial barriers for people, and through attracting and enabling more learners, we’re helping to grow a more diverse workforce, with greater representation across gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, abilities, and circumstances.

“TAFE NSW offers the perfect environment for young people to begin their careers as we provide flexible study options and a range of support services.

“There are so many different pathways you can take with the Diploma – public acute, private, community, GP clinic and more,” Ms Gaudron said.

“Virtually every nursing graduate secures a job and it’s extremely rewarding and flexible work.”

Media contact: Emily Graham, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, emily.graham40@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7921 3756