In the lead-up to National Amputee Awareness Week (4 – 11 October), 43-year-old TAFE NSW graduate and Leichhardt local Daniel Liang, is encouraging other amputees to invest in life-changing education and explore the range of in-demand careers offered at TAFE NSW.

Daniel who was born in China and moved to Australia for a better life after having his right arm removed wants to help promote the awareness of National Amputee Week and challenge the perception of employability and ensure members of our community who are living with limb loss that they are not alone.

“Since having my right arm removed, I have experienced some cruel and unfair treatment back in China, but this shouldn’t hold me back. In fact, since coming to Australia I’ve realised how important it is to focus and move forward with no fear.

“Studying at TAFE NSW has been one of the best experiences in my life. The teachers are the best, especially, Vivien Clark, who not only taught us spoken and written English but also shared lots of Australian culture with us, which helps us outside the classroom and integrate more.”

Daniel recently completed his Certificate III in Spoken and Written English course at TAFE NSW Petersham, and is currently studying a self-paced Certificate III in IT at TAFE Digital.

“Thanks to TAFE NSW and the teachers I passed my first job interview in Australia. I feel as if I have made a huge leap forward,” said Daniel.

According to Limbs 4 Life, every hour in Australia more than one lower limb amputation takes place. This equates to 28 per day and almost 9,000 amputations every year, over one-quarter (28 per cent) of people with disability are employed full-time, compared with more than half (54 per cent) of those without disabilities.

“Now I have completed certificate III in IT, I'm interested in digital marketing and design. I’m looking forward to developing my skills in my new role,” said Daniel.

According to recent reports, demand for ICT workers across NSW has increased by 8.5 per cent since 2021, and the IT sector workforce is forecast to grow 4.8 per cent each year over the next five years.

TAFE NSW Executive Director Education and Skills Digital, Lyn Rickard, said it’s great to see Daniel land the job he wanted after completing his Certificate III in IT.

“Daniel excelled through his training and was able to balance his social and work life and keep volunteering which he loves. The self-paced learning provided by TAFE Digital gives students the option to study online and enjoy flexible learning to fit their lifestyle.

“With the nationally-recognised Certificate III in Information Technology, Daniel has gained valuable skills such as problem-solving, fundamentals of Networking, website creation and programming techniques, all of which are in high demand for careers in ICT.

“If Daniel decided to continue his education, he could progress to advanced-level technician and management roles by completing a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Information Technology,” Lyn said.

TAFE NSW offers fee-free Information Technology qualifications at various locations across the state and online under the Job Trainer Scheme. For more information about the range of courses on offer at TAFE NSW phone 131 601.

Media contact: Callum Darby-Linfitt, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7921 1823 callum.darbylinfitt@tafensw.edu.au