Narrabri resident, Charlotte Joulian, is encouraging early school leavers to consider studying a one-year TAFE NSW High School Certificate (HSC) equivalent course as a pathway to further study.

For Charlotte, proving that she was capable of completing her HSC after leaving school in Year 11, nine years ago, suddenly became a priority. She decided to study a Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (TPC) at TAFE NSW Narrabri and has recently been accepted into university to study a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Mathematics).

“I didn’t enjoy school, but not completing my HSC was always something I regretted doing. One day, I decided to see what was available to me at TAFE NSW Narrabri and I started studying the TPC the next day,” Charlotte said.

“I was amazed by the ongoing support and assistance I received at TAFE NSW. Juggling two jobs, full-time study and a pregnancy, taught me how to be organised and manage my time effectively.

“While completing the TPC course, I discovered a love for mathematics, something I didn’t think would ever happen. It was the one subject I struggled with most at school. TAFE NSW teacher’s taught me how to understand Maths and I decided that I wanted to become a secondary mathematics teacher, to instill the same passion in other students.”

ABS findings reveal 68% of people aged 20-64 years have a non-school qualification, with rates for men and women gradually converging over the past 15 years.i

TAFE NSW Career Pathways and Employability Skills Teacher, Ann-Maree Turner said Charlotte was a self-motivated and engaged student.

“She joined classes via video conference and had an excellent record of attendance. The TPC allowed her to gain the skills and confidence to be able to pursue higher education studies at university.

“Charlotte is the perfect example of students relaunching their career at TAFE NSW to be in a career they’ll love.”

The Tertiary Preparation Certificate is available for enrolment now. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515.

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i. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2019). Survey of Education and Work. Retrieved from: https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6227.0