Cara, Arnold and Nadine highly recommend VET nursing and health care qualifications.
The Australian Government is strengthening the VET system, allowing students like Cara and Arnold to earn while they learn and secure jobs in high-demand industries.
Clients benefit from Cara's Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Cara Stratford is working as a Community Support Worker after switching from university to TAFE.
“COVID put a halt to my university studies and on a friend’s recommendation, I decided to study a Certificate III in Health Assistance through TAFE, which has been absolutely amazing,” Cara said.
Cara has been able to implement the skills she’s learnt at TAFE straight away, which her clients in the community are benefitting from.
"If I'd known there was a Fee-Free TAFE study option, I would have jumped at the opportunity straight away, because the curriculum is inviting, and you can earn while you learn".
“If you’re more of a hands-on learner and want support, I think TAFE is definitely the way to go. I can’t recommend it enough.”
Arnold's Diploma of Nursing experience is like working in a real-life hospital setting
Before emigrating to Australia, Arnold Palencia worked on a cargo vessel and had no background or knowledge of nursing.
When he and his family decided to settle in Canberra, they needed to think of a stable job for Arnold in a high-demand sector with good job security, and the ability to earn a wage while he was studying. So, he decided to study a Diploma of Nursing.
“We’ve learnt different types of hands-on skills which we can apply in hospitals when we’re on placements. We’ve done subcutaneous injections, inter muscular injections, we’ve done administration of medications and indwelling catheter insertions – we get to learn all the essential skills,” Arnold said.
VET nursing studies enable Arnold to practice as an enrolled nurse now and are a stepping stone for him to study a Bachelor of Nursing at university.
“If you want to go into the nursing profession, the VET Diploma of Nursing is the best way to start. It gives you a solid foundation before you commence your journey to a bachelor’s degree.”
Nadine believes VET health care and nursing training is invaluable
Nadine Morton, a Registered Nurse and Nursing Teacher, believes nursing and health care training is invaluable as it gives students hands-on, industry-driven learning and engagement with real industry experts.
“I would 100% encourage students to consider VET as a pathway. It’s a place where you’re able to engage with your trainers and to work with peers who are very supportive,” Nadine said.
Nadine’s students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, including:
- students enrolled directly after finishing school
- learners who have been out of school for a few years
- mature-age students looking to retrain or change career direction to nursing.
Benefit from strong industry growth
The Health Care and Social Assistance industry is projected to make one of the largest contributions to employment growth in Australia. The industry grew by 8.6% in the 12 months to November 2022 and is expected to grow by 15.8% by November 2026.