A Greenacre mother is gearing up to enter the workforce by studying a unique TAFE NSW course and volunteering at Greenacre Public School.  

Bassima Ayache was educated in Lebanon before returning to Australia in 2009 and raising her child. She turned to TAFE NSW to develop the practical skillset she needed to explore career opportunities by completing the Statement of Attainment in Education and Employment Pathways. 

According to a study by the National Centre of Vocational Education Research, in 2019 34.2 per cent of employers had jobs requiring vocational qualifications and of those employers, 72.1 per cent were satisfied that vocational qualifications provided their employees with the skills they needed for the job. 

Bassima said the course equipped her with a qualification and gave her the confidence to volunteer as a teacher’s aid at Greenacre Public School, organised by TAFE NSW, where she has now been gaining practical experience for over a year. 

“I’ve gained the skills needed to work in different industries and built my digital and employability skills to smooth my transition into further vocational education and paid employment,” Bassima said. 

“I realised my passion for teaching and am now able to put the hands-on skills I have learnt to practice in a real educational setting.” 

The Statement of Attainment in Education and Employment Pathways is an eight-week online course, where students learn hands-on skills of software programs including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, as well as how to send and receive emails and key employability skills like how to prepare for a job interview. 

TAFE NSW Head Teacher in Career Pathways and Employability Skills, Michelle Morrison, said the course is available for Culturally and linguistically diverse learners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, unemployed Australians, those who identify as having a disability who want to take the first step in their career. 

“The course will teach practical digital skills to prepare students for pathways into further training opportunities,” Ms Morrison said. 

“By successfully completing this course, students will be able to effectively participate in a vocational education learning environment, giving them confidence and a kick start in their career.” 

“The course is a great stepping stone for those looking to further their education in the vocational sector in critical skills areas and gain meaningful employment but lack confidence and skills to make this a reality,” Ms Morrison said. 

Eligible student will have access to a 1.5-hour online class per week and receive ongoing support from TAFE NSW teachers via email, SMS and telephone calls to check in with students. The next course will begin on May 18. 

To find out more or apply for the Statement of Attainment in Education and Employment Pathways at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.