Demand for financial services and mortgage brokers as Australians look to refinance their loans during the current economic downturn, has sparked a career change opportunity for people to launch their career in the banking sector. 

63-year-old Blacktown resident, Ricardo Hora, is taking advantage of the current market and has turned to TAFE NSW to gain the qualification he needs to be a fully-accredited mortgage broker. Ricardo previously worked in the travel industry with Qantas before switching careers as a result of COVID-19. 

The Federal Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme paired with the newly announced Home Builder program and the efforts by banks to provide relief to households by offering attractive fixed interest rates, has contributed to the demand for financial services such as mortgage broking. In April alone, the ABS recorded $18.57 billion in new housing loan commitments across the country.1 

Ricardo said enrolling in the course was one of the best decisions he’s made in his career.

“I’ve been very active in the property investment market and had knowledge of how the industry worked so TAFE NSW has helped me earn the qualifications so I can be recognised by industry,” Ricardo said. 

“I’m one month into the course and have already felt so supported by teachers who are there to answer all my questions, even as an online student,” Ricardo said. 

The TAFE NSW course is delivered in a blended format, where students complete the course flexibly and at their own pace online. As part of the course, students also have a dedicated support teacher they can contact to answer any questions. Additional support is provided via weekly face-to-face drop-in sessions at TAFE NSW Bankstown or, online connected sessions from anywhere in the state. 

TAFE NSW Banking, Accounting and Finance Teacher, Alexandria Arfanis, said completing the course at TAFE NSW gives students a competitive edge in the industry. 

“The Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking not only gives students the minimum qualification to work as a mortgage broker, it also allows accreditation with ASIC to sell Tier 2 products like insurance and deposit products, making TAFE NSW one of only a few Registered Training Organisations to offer this,” Ms Arfanis said. 

“As well as this, students can enrol in the course at any time in the year, allowing them to be qualified faster and pursue their dream job without delay.” 

To enrol in a finance course at TAFE NSW, visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course/-/c/c/FNS40815-01/Certificate-IV-in-Finance-and-Mortgage-Broking or call 161 601.  

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.