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Media Release
TAFE NSW Cootamundra | 9 March 2026
A caring future begins close to home in Cootamundra
’Seeing my nan’s experience in hospital made me realise I wanted to work in nursing and care for elderly people,” Jada said. “They’re away from home and vulnerable, and you really become like family to them’
Jada, TAFE NSW Cootamundra student
As regional communities face a growing ageing population and increasing demand for aged care workers, Cootamundra student Jada Parkinson is stepping into one of the Riverina’s most needed professions. The 17-year-old is set to complete her Certificate III in Individual Support at TAFE NSW Young in September. She’ll be entering a growing local workforce. Caring for older people and those living with a disability is the one of the most common jobs in the Riverina. Numbers have grown by 38 per cent over the past five years, according to Jobs and Skills Australia data.
Jada is completing her qualification through a School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) while working at Cootamundra’s Adina Care. She first started as a kitchenhand in 2023, balancing school, study and hands-on industry experience.
Her decision to pursue aged care was shaped by the passing of her grandmother in 2021.
“Seeing my nan’s experience in hospital made me realise I wanted to work in nursing and care for elderly people,” Jada said. “They’re away from home and vulnerable, and you really become like family to them.”
Through her TAFE NSW training, Jada has gained practical skills and a deeper understanding of the emotional and mental wellbeing needs of older Australians.
“The course has taught me how elderly people think and feel, and how to support their mental health as well as their physical care,” she said. “It’s helped me feel confident knowing how to respond in situations at work.”
The Certificate III in Individual Support is delivered through a combination of classroom learning and practical training in simulated nursing environments. It prepares students to assist clients with personal care, mobility, and daily living tasks while supporting independence and social wellbeing. The course includes 120 hours of industry placement, helping students build professional networks and job-ready skills.
Working locally has made the experience especially meaningful for Jada.
“In a town like Cootamundra, you often know the residents or their families. Many know my grandparents or my dad, so there’s a sense of community.”
TAFE NSW teacher Carolyn Bailey has supported Jada throughout her studies, helping her transition into vocational learning while completing non-ATAR subjects at school.
“It was challenging at first, but once I got the hang of it, it’s been really rewarding,” Jada said. “The support from TAFE NSW and my teachers has made a big difference.”
After finishing school, Jada plans to continue working at Adina Care and hopes to progress to university study and complete a Bachelor of Nursing.
Media contact: Rachel Ecclestone, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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