15 July, 2020

A former air hostess keen to take her career to a new altitude has credited TAFE NSW Leeton with helping her land an unlikely career change in her 60s.

Leeton grandmother Helen Wallis, 63, had long dreamed of becoming a primary school teacher’s aide but lacked the experience – and confidence – to master the basic computing skills required for the job.

According to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, she’s not alone: 11 per cent of Australians over 50 do not have access to an internet connection and three-quarters of Australians who don't use the internet at all are aged over 70.

Determined to build her skills for the job she wanted, Mrs Wallis enrolled in a Certificate I in Business at TAFE NSW Leeton, a course that focuses on basic computer literacy, communications and work, health and safety.

“I just loved it; the teachers were so helpful and inspiring, and they really cared about you getting through the course successfully,” Mrs Wallis said.

“I would just urge anyone considering changing careers, especially later in life, to use the amazing TAFE NSW resource we have on our doorstep.”

Mrs Wallis went on to complete a Certificate III in Education Support and has since secured a part-time position as a Student Learning Support Officer at Wamoon Public School.

“I love working with the students and it’s so rewarding to see them grasp something like reading and realise they can do it,” she said.

TAFE NSW Leeton Technology and Business Services Teacher Alison Warren said Mrs Wallis’s experience was proof positive that people can gain the skills they need to get the job they want at any stage in life.

“The Certificate I and II in Business are a great way to get the underpinning skills to go onto other more specialised courses,” Ms Warren said.

“The job market is changing rapidly and TAFE NSW has hundreds of courses – from short courses to degrees – to help you adapt.”

TAFE Digital also offers a range of business courses, affording students the convenience and flexibility to study when and where it suits them best.

To find out more about studying at TAFE NSW Leeton for semester two, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Media and Communications – Business Partner, 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428.