A local Paddington hospitality worker has landed his dream job as a personal banker at Westpac after using the COVID-19 pandemic to reskill.

Luigi Dolci came to Australia in 2006 and worked in the hospitality industry before he was laid off his job during COVID-19. The 39-year-old reskilled during the pandemic by enrolling in a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking at TAFE NSW Bankstown.

Luigi said the course helped “future-proof” his career in Australia and allowed him to use his skills and knowledge to help others.

“The pandemic was a tough time for me but it was great knowing I had teachers who were really supportive and ready to help throughout the duration of my course,” Luigi said.

“I graduated from TAFE NSW and walked straight into a job at Westpac, which is something I couldn’t have achieved without the help of my teachers.”

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.

TAFE NSW teacher Frank Speranza, said now was the perfect time to enrol in a TAFE NSW course for those considering a career change or looking for a head start into the industry.

“Students can enrol in the Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking at any time in the year, allowing them to be qualified faster and pursue their dream job without delay,” Mr Speranza said.

“Luigi is just one example of the transformation that TAFE NSW can have in turning people’s life around and relaunching their career. I’m so proud that as a teaching section we can inspire confidence in our students,

“At a time where there is a lot of financial uncertainty and record low interest rates, Australians are depending on financial services, which is why we have seen a demand for skilled workers in this industry.”

To enrol in a finance or banking course for Semester 1, 2021, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.