Indigenous people from remote and regional New South Wales are being upskilled in roles such as Student Learning Support Officers and Aboriginal Education Officers through TAFE NSW, which aims to improve learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
TAFE NSW Petersham has delivered the Certificate IV in School-Based Education, funded by the federal government's Away from Base program, which provides support to students from across New South Wales.
The program also provides financial assistance for Indigenous students who are eligible for ABSTUDY, but who need to travel 90 minutes or more to attend training.
Patricia Daniel, an Aboriginal Education Officer at Busby Public School in Liverpool, was previously living in central NSW.
She said she'd been working as an Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) but wanted to enhance her skills, as well as learn additional strategies for supporting the individual needs of students.
"Now that I have this qualification under my belt, I feel more confident in my role," Ms Daniel said.
I can provide further support to Indigenous students and their families while organising engaging and fun events that enhance learning outcomes and strengthen community ties."
The students attend the TAFE campus in Petersham for ten one-week blocks over the duration of the 12-months. Following graduation, the majority are now employed as Student Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) or AEOs in schools and community education services, or continuing further education.
Head Teacher of Childhood Education at TAFE NSW, Kristen Graziani said the organisation was dedicated to nurturing both AEOs and SLSOs to ensure they have the skills to support students' learning and development.
"There's a strong correlation between the work of Aboriginal educators and improved educational outcomes for Indigenous students," Ms Graziani said.
"These people play a vital role in making a difference in the lives of children and young people in NSW schools."
Ms Daniel was praised for her training by recently being nominated for a Gili award, which highlights and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' achievements across TAFE NSW.
She was complementary of her teachers and training, labelling it "fantastic".
"We had the best teachers who were incredibly supportive, helpful, and professional," Ms Daniel said.
"It was a joy as an older person in their 50s to engage in study and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
"It was also wonderful to learn alongside people who share a similar passion for learning support."
