A group of seven students who enrolled in the Career Pathways for Refugees in Health program at TAFE NSW have all been offered employment at Fairfield Hospital. 

The Career Pathways for Refugees in Health program is a collaboration between TAFE NSW, South Western Sydney Local Health District and CORE Community Services. It follows a pilot program in 2020 and is aimed at promoting training and career pathways in health for people from a migrant and refugee background.  

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Coordinator at TAFE NSW, Eva Atkins, said healthcare is earmarked to be among the largest sectors of employment for Western Sydney residents.  TAFE NSW is helping locals take their first step towards a number of career options in health. 

The pathways program gives refugees an introduction to a career as a medical receptionist, clinic administrator, nursing administrator or medical records officer. 

“Western Sydney is expanding, with the region’s population forecast to grow to 2.9 million by 2036. This population boom has increased the need for a strong allied healthcare system and boosted job opportunities in the sector,” Ms Atkins said. 

“This year, each of the seven graduates from the program who applied for positions at Fairfield Hospital have received job offers, which is an outstanding result. 

“The Career Pathways for Refugees in Health Program has been so successful that we are extending the delivery of courses to include TAFE NSW locations at Wetherill Park, Granville, Liverpool and Campbelltown.” 

Syrian refugee Elisabat Aslani joined the program to improve her skills and to find a good job opportunity in the medical sector. 

“I came to Australia in 2016 and was working in a fruit shop but I decided to gain some more knowledge to improve my job prospects,” Ms Aslani said. 

“I really enjoyed the practical style of learning and was confident the industry connections of my teachers at TAFE NSW would help me to secure a job after my studies. 

“Not only did I gain an introduction to the medical administration sector, but I also learnt crucial employment skills like how to sit an interview and create a strong resume. Now I’ve been offered a job as a Customer Service Officer at Fairfield Hospital.” 

Students enrolled in the program can go on to work in medical and allied health practices, private surgeries and hospitals. 

To find out more about the range of study options available at TAFE NSW including the Career Pathways for Refugees in Health program, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.