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Media release
TAFE NSW Goulburn | 4 September 2025
Mature student Craig Bain discovers new purpose at TAFE NSW Goulburn
“Craig went from lacking confidence to becoming a role model and leader in the room.”
Christopher Worland, TAFE NSW Teacher
After a lifetime of hard knocks and limited schooling, mature-age student Craig Bain is proving it’s never too late to change course, thanks to the support and structure of TAFE NSW Goulburn.
The 48-year-old former labourer left high school just two weeks into Year 8. He spent much of his working life doing physical jobs until an injury forced him to consider a different future.
“I never really got an education,” Craig said. “But I realised I needed to get better educated to get anywhere. I have all the experience in the world, but I used to get knocked back for jobs because I didn’t have qualifications.”
With the encouragement of his daughter, Craig enrolled in the Certificate II in Career Preparation at TAFE NSW Goulburn in 2024 to complete his Year 10 equivalent. Despite being older than his classmates, Craig embraced the opportunity and quickly found his place.
“Before I started studying, I was looking up how to spell 90 per cent of words; now I’m only looking up how to spell 10 per cent,” he said.
“It was a bit daunting at first. It was all kids in the class, no one my age. But I wanted to be a student and join my peers. The whole idea was to get my schooling back and have a bit of fun with it.”
TAFE NSW teacher Christopher Worland said Craig’s progression throughout the course and impact on the class was noticeable.
“The Certificate II in Career Preparation gives students a fresh opportunity to grow their literacy, numeracy, and communication skills, and the tools to enter the workforce or continue their education,” he said.
“Craig went from lacking confidence to becoming a role model and leader in the room. His peers looked up to him, and he showed them you can take control of your future, no matter your past.”
Now completing the Certificate III in Pathways to Further Study (Year 11 equivalent), Craig is working toward a career as a drug and alcohol counsellor. He hopes to draw on his lived experience to one day support others.
“I went to a lot of counsellors when I was young, and the things they said stuck with me,” he said. “Now I can see myself helping others like me. I’ve got the life experience, now I’m building the qualifications.”
For those unsure about returning to study, Craig has one message: “Come to TAFE NSW. It doesn’t matter what path you’ve taken, you can always rebuild or build upon it.”
Explore the Certificate II in Career Preparation and related study pathways on the TAFE NSW website.
Media contact: Rob Virtue, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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