A proud Wailan woman and Bathurst local, who left school at the age of 15, has embarked on  a life-changing employment opportunity thanks to a new training program delivered by TAFE NSW in partnership with Legal Aid NSW. 

Kristen Gee’s biggest goal in life was to show her seven children they are capable of great things through education, which is why she took advantage of the new training partnership, which offers Indigenous peoples across NSW  access to TAFE NSW training designed to equip them with the practical skills they need to thrive in a job with Legal Aid NSW or more broadly in a business environment.  

Kristen was part of a group of five students to complete the Statement of Attainment in Office Skills at TAFE NSW Campbelltown as part of the 12 week training program. The students learnt hands-on skills like how to deliver a service to customers as well as effective communication strategies to give the students a competitive edge in the workplace. 

After completing the course, Kristen has now been offered a job as a Legal Support Officer with Legal Aid in their Orange office and could not be more proud of her career transformation. 

Kristen said “It feels amazing to be in a meaningful job where I can help the community and for my kids to see that although I was a teen mum, I didn’t let that stop me and am now in my dream career. 

“I was so nervous to begin the program but with the help of my TAFE NSW teachers, I now feel empowered and ready to take on the workplace.” 

Inspired by their mother’s success, Kirsten’s oldest children have become some of the first in their family to graduate from high school. 

“To hear my children tell their friends and teachers how proud they are is the greatest feeling— to know that they have seen me struggle and come out on top,” Kristen said. 

TAFE NSW’s partnership with Legal Aid is helping to improve the Aboriginal employment rate, which is currently 49 per cent, to prepare students with skills to help them thrive in their dream career.  

Legal Aid NSW Strategic Human Resources Projects Manager, Don Giron, said the graduates had demonstrated not only the core program skills, including workplace communication, but also remarkable perseverance. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the program, and participants really embraced online learning,” Mr Giron said. 

“All five graduates have been successfully placed in a Legal Aid NSW talent pool, where they will be considered for employment as legal support officers across our network of offices around NSW.” 

TAFE NSW offers customised training to businesses and organisations like Legal Aid, where employees can receive flexible, on-the-job training. 

To enrol in the career pathways courses at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.com, or call 131 601. 

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211