Two Indigenous TAFE NSW students have shown how vocational education and training can open doors to rewarding careers which create an impact in their communities.
Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman Amy Barlow, 35, from Bathurst, and Gadigal man Shaun Meyers, 21, from Campbelltown, have both built valuable skills and experience through TAFE NSW, equipping them to step into healthcare and construction industries, respectively.
TAFE NSW provided Ms Barlow with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to begin a career in the nursing sector, all without leaving her community.
After completing a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), Ms Barlow undertook a Diploma of Nursing, graduating in April this year.
"With a young family, I couldn't travel far, so completing my training and more than 400 hours of placements locally at Bathurst Hospital in recovery, surgery, ambulatory care and community nursing was a huge plus," she says.
"The hands-on experience helped everything I'd learned in the classroom click into place."
Ms Barlow said working in healthcare is challenging yet rewarding.
"The impact you're able to make for those in need is something I wouldn't trade for anything," she said.
"I'd encourage anyone, at any age, to give it a go. You never know what you're capable of until you try."
Mr Meyers completed a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at TAFE NSW Ultimo, where he discovered a passion for the high-demand sector while gaining practical, industry-aligned skills.
While training, Shaun was nominated for a prestigious TAFE NSW Gili Award recognising his commitment and leadership.
He has mentored young Aboriginal students, run hands-on workshops to introduce them to refrigeration, and volunteered his technical skills to maintain and upgrade community facilities.
"My connection to community and culture is at the heart of everything I do," Mr Meyers said.
"Through my work, I want to help create safe, comfortable environments for Elders and families, and inspire young Indigenous Australians to see trades as a pathway to a strong future."
Now a Technician at ARA Mechanical, Mr Meyers plans to complete an Electrical Apprenticeship to further his qualifications.
TAFE NSW Managing Director, Chloe Read, said vocational education and training offers students the training and support needed for a wide range of attractive career opportunities.
"With growing demand for skilled workers across a range of sectors, TAFE NSW is delivering the high- quality education and training our students need to succeed from day one," Ms Read said.
"TAFE NSW training is accessible, industry-aligned, and future-focused, enabling students to graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to enjoy productive and rewarding careers."
The NSW Skills Plan: 2024-28 identifies the healthcare and construction industries as two of six critical skills areas forecast to experience significant growth in the coming years.
TAFE NSW says jobs in the healthcare sector are expected to increase by more than 580,000 by 2034 and in construction by more than 160,000 in the same period.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said National Skills Week, which begins next week, is a timely reminder of the critical importance of vocational education and training, both to the state economy and local communities across NSW.
"A strong vocational education and training sector is critical to delivering the practical skills that people, communities, and industries across NSW need, now and in the future," Mr Whan said.
"TAFE NSW trains around 400,000 people each year across more than 250 occupations in over 80 industry sectors, delivering the workforce needed to build housing and critical infrastructure, enable access to care and support services, support the growth of onshore advanced manufacturing, and power our transition to net zero."
