18 November, 2020

A Narrandera mum eager to re-enter the workforce has secured a job in the booming aged care industry just weeks after enrolling in her TAFE NSW course.

Jasmin Kenmir, 25, was considering which industry to explore when her son started primary school and undertook a Statement of Attainment in Nursing Assistance at TAFE NSW Narrandera as a “taster” to caring for elderly community members.

Despite being a self-confessed “average student” at high school, Ms Kenmir thrived in the more adult and supportive environment, quickly enrolling in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing). A few weeks into the course she lodged a job application with RSL Lifecare Teloca House Narrandera “on a prayer” and was offered a position as an aged carer.

“It really blew me away -  I didn’t realise aged carers were in such high demand,” Ms Kenmir said.

The TAFE NSW Jobs for the Future report predicted "aged carer" will be the largest growing profession by numbers in the Riverina between 2018-2023.

“High school wasn’t for me but I’m caring by nature and so thought it would be interesting to get a taster for nursing in a short course,” Ms Kenmir said.

“My teacher had been a registered nurse (RN) for many years and went above and beyond to mentor me. Her insights were incredible and will remain with me for my whole career.”

She wants to eventually build her practical skills and experience at TAFE NSW to become an enrolled nurse but for now is relishing her role at RSL Lifecare.

“You really do become family to the residents and build such a rapport,” she said. “It’s very satisfying and RSL Lifecare are great to work for.”

TAFE NSW Narrandera Aged Care teacher Debbie Healy said the aged care sector was currently awash with jobs and an ideal industry for that were caring by nature.

“If you love helping people, it can be a wonderful profession,” Ms Healy said. “You really are helping maintain the dignity of older people and you learn a lot from them.

“I’d say more than 80 per cent of my graduates in aged care walk straight into jobs.”

To find out more about studying aged care at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Media and Communications – Business Partner, 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428.