With the Nepean hospital upgrade set to bring expanded health services to cater to the region’s increasing population, one penrith local and Zimbabwe migrant is determined to support the growing community by becoming a registered nurseand is now one step closer to her career goal thanks to TAFE NSW. 

Over the past five years, almost 17 per cent of Australian jobs created were in health care, more than any other sector.1 Australia is experiencing a skills shortage in the health sector with a significant decline in the number of enrolled nurses last year.2  

Tsitsi Magidi settled in Penrith from Zimbabwe in 2013 and landed a part time job in the aged care sector after completing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at TAFE NSW Kingswood. The 43-year-old mother of three then went on to complete the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation as a pathway to higher education. 

Recognised by educators and employers as an alternative to completing the HSC, the Tertiary Preparation Certificate prepares students for higher education by developing the technical, social and academic skills needed to perform at the next level of study. 

Tsitsi has now gone on to study a bachelor degree in nursing and credits TAFE NSW for her success. 

“I’m so happy that I can soon say that I am a Registered Nurse. Having a clear pathway to higher education through TAFE NSW has given me hope that no matter your journey in life, there is always a way to pursue your dream career,” Tsitsi said. 

“The practical skills I recieved from my TAFE NSW teachers to prepare me for university has been second to none. Their dedication to providing the best learning experience for students is what inspired me to get through the course.” 

“With flexible study options that TAFE NSW provides, I was able to look after my three children, work night shifts and attend classes.” 

There has never been a better time for Tsitsi to pursue a career in nursing with employment opportunities in the sector expected to grow to 28,000 by 2024.  

TAFE NSW Head of Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills, Ann Beerden, said Tsitsi showed great resilience throughout the course. 

“Tsitsi is a great example of how the real practical skills students gain while studying at TAFE NSW help take their career to the next level. 

“There is such great demand for nurses right now and the Tertiary Preparation Certificate facilitates a pathway to higher education for students to pursue employment opportunites across industries facing skills shortages. ” 

To find out more about how TAFE NSW provides pathways to higher education visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.