Carers from across NSW are turning personal experience into formal qualifications thanks to an innovative TAFE NSW program.   

Carer to Career allows people who care for a family member, friend or neighbour with disability, mental health, ageing or complex health and wellbeing needs to have their personal experience recognised as progress towards formal qualifications.   

Across NSW there are more than 850,000 carers in a wide variety of circumstances. TAFE NSW has customised a unique program that recognises their skills with qualifications and facilitate pathways to paid employment and further training.   

TAFE NSW Upskilling Carers Program Coordinator Michelle Meachem said Carer to Career was initiated in late 2019 as a flexible learning program for carers to access when, where and how it suits them and to meet their individual learning needs.   

“The Connected Learning program is available to a geographically dispersed audience and to carers with diverse needs. There has been an excellent response with over 360 carers registered in the program since it was first launched,” Ms Meachem said.  

“By developing specific skills such as conducting successful client interviews, developing individualised support plans and receiving recognised qualifications, Carer to Career provides job-ready skills which can be applied to a range of roles in the community services sector as well as other industries depending on the qualifications attained. 

”Among the participants a number of carers have gained a Certificate III in Individual Support using a customised recognition of prior learning process and others have received specific skills sets in support coordination to support employment.  

Carer to Career is funded by NSW Communities and Justice, Carer Investment program. 

TAFE NSW is accepting new participants interested in studying during Semester 2. Participants are guided through a self-assessment and skills matching process to determine the best pathway for each individual. Visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information