A new program at TAFE NSW Nowra is putting one Illawarra woman on a path to make a difference in the lives of people dealing with domestic violence.

For Sonia Squires helping people remove themselves from violent situations is her end-goal.

For now, she is completing the Foundation Skills for the Future Program in preparation for the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery Program (IPROWD). She plans to user her qualifications to gain entry to the NSW Police.

“I know if I follow this pathway and make it to a career in the police, I will be able to help people facing domestic violence make a change for the better.

“I’ve always had ambitions to join the police, but life took a different turn for me. Now I’m back on that path.”

Ms Squires is among the first at TAFE NSW Nowra to enrol in the Federal Government’s Foundation Skills for the Future program. The program is designed to strengthen education foundations across literacy, numeracy, language, and digital literacy for the purpose of undertaking further training.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Joy Sharpe pointed out the program offered people who are working or have recently become unemployed another avenue to develop the specific skills they required for the next step in further study, remaining employed or changing jobs.

“This learning is based on the individual’s needs to help them achieve their goals. In Sonia’s case, she wants a career with the police, so numeracy, literacy and technology skills are the focus for now,” Ms Sharpe said.

For Ms Squires, the opportunity has been a life changer. The 43-year-old Aboriginal mother of one said the program has given her self-confidence a much-needed boost.

“This course gets back to basics. It is developing those skills I need to improve. I never enjoyed mathematics, but with the support of my teachers, I have maths work where I have every answer right. It’s a real confidence boost, it’s huge for me and I’m excited,” Ms Squires said.

“For anyone considering a career change or aiming for a new role, I understand it can be intimidating, but education is the key and this course builds on your transferable skills.”

To find out more about the Foundation Skills for the Future program and studying at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist.