TAFE NSW and the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) Redfern is celebrating the success of a thriving partnership that equips Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to gain employment in Australia’s growing fitness industry.

Over the next three years it is estimated an additional 1,460 people will be employed as fitness instructors in NSW[1], something TAFE NSW graduate Eden Mashman-Woods is taking advantage of.

Eden, who completed the Certificate III and IV in Fitness as part of the NCIE Job Ready Program, was previously working at NCIE as a casual swimming instructor, duty manager, and lifeguard. Eden said the program, customised by TAFE NSW specifically to meet the training needs of NCIE, provided her with the hands-on skills and support she needed to transition into a personal trainer position.

“I really enjoyed the course and the support I received from teachers; my classmates and NCIE are fantastic. I learnt so much and TAFE NSW was very flexible with both of the courses, meaning I was able to study and work and the same time which was really important to me.”

“I’m currently working at NCIE as a personal trainer and loving every minute of it. Seeing people change, and motivating and encouraging them to get results, makes me love it even more,” said Eden.

NCIE Job Ready Manager, Shane Sturgiss emphasised that the Job Ready program is more than just a course.

“NCIE Job Ready’s partnership with TAFE NSW provides our students flexibility, understanding, and a culturally safe learning environment,” he said.

“Every student has access to our mentoring, living skills, and cultural land care services as part of their learning journey, which provides them with a stronger foundation to manage mainstream education and employment, while still respecting and living in their cultures.”

TAFE NSW, Head Teacher Health and Recreation, Tony Spitzer said, “The relationship between TAFE NSW and NCIE has seen two separate cohorts complete either Certificate III or Certificate IV in Fitness in the past year.

“As part of the NCIE Job Ready program, students are supported through their studies and are presented with new career opportunities once they successfully complete their qualifications.

“The NCIE Fitness Centre is a great environment, where students are able to put the hands-on skills and knowledge they’re learning into practice with real life clients,” said Mr Spitzer.

TAFE Enterprise customises flexible training options for businesses. For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au or 0402 528 210.