National Careers Week showcases success of St George locals

‘St George locals are being encouraged to future-proof their careers. Evolving industries and new skills are reshaping the Australian workforce, which is expected to grow by almost one million jobs.’

TAFE NSW is encouraging people to consider how industry-aligned training can help turn career aspirations into skills that work. This might be to enter a new industry, to build on existing experience, or to gain confidence to step into a higher role.

Three of many St George locals turning to TAFE NSW to build future-focused skills are Mark Birds, Kathryn Gray and Denise Beckman. All are completing a Diploma of Nursing](https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course-areas/healthcare/courses/diploma-of-nursing--HLT54121-01), each bringing diverse life and career experience to their studies.

50-year-old Mark Birds, who previously worked in IT and finance, said, ‘After my own experience as a hospital patient, I wanted to do something more meaningful. Nursing felt like the right path. TAFE NSW has given me the support and practical experience to make that change.’

39-year-old Kathryn Gray, who has worked in behavioural therapy and early-career roles in butchery, said, ‘I’ve had a range of jobs and life experiences. Together they’ve helped me build the skills I’m using in my nursing training. It’s been very rewarding applying these to a new career.”

62-year-old Denise Beckman, who is returning to nursing later in life after decades working in health-related roles, said, ‘I came back to nursing because I wanted the skills to help people and my family, when life feels uncertain. I started in post-natal nursing decades ago, then stepped away to raise my children and support my family. I’ve rebuilt my career more than once, including working in pathology for many years. While it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve learned it’s never too late to start again.”

Further highlighting the need for practical skills, a recent report from global hiring platform Indeed shows job postings in Australia remain elevated. Demand for job-ready skills continues to rise.

‘Workforce change is opening new pathways for people to enter high-demand industries through practical, flexible training’, added Chloe Read,
TAFE NSW Managing Director.

‘TAFE NSW education and training includes short courses, a mix of online and face-to-face learning as well as industry work placements, microskills and microcredentials. We are intentional about building student confidence and responding to workforce demand so graduates can move quickly into employment or further study.

‘Whether you’re starting out, changing direction, or looking to progress in your career, TAFE NSW is here to help you navigate that journey.’

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said National Careers Week was a reminder of the strong, job-ready skills TAFE NSW delivers.

‘Vocational education and training (VET) delivers the skills across growing industries where careers have a practical focus. It (VET) gives people the opportunity to build confidence, gain experience and take control of their future career.

‘National Careers Week is an opportunity to recognise the vital role TAFE NSW plays in upskilling our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.’

Media contact: Rachel Eccelstone, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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