A FREE TAFE CASE STUDY – JULY 2020
Carolyn Bould is living proof that new career is possible thanks to a Free TAFE course at TAFE Gippsland.
Having worked in administration for most of her working career, the Health sector was something that always interested her, however personal circumstances never aligned for a return to study.
However that all changed in 2019 when the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE initiative hit the ground running.
Traralgon-based Carolyn has found herself transformed with a new position at Traralgon Aged Care facility this year after completing her Certificate III in Individual Support at Morwell campus in 2019.
Such was Carolyn’s dedication to her TAFE studies in 2019 that she was nominated for a Vocational Student of the Year Award by her Individual Support teacher, Marilou Ortega, and Head of Department, Michelle Mason Woods.
“Carolyn was an exceptional student who completed Cert III Individual Support, completed the skills uplift in Disability at the same time, and I’m delighted that she has now enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing this year,” Michelle said.
“Her performance earned her a nomination (for Vocational Student of the Year) because she has been able to navigate education in a professional manner and has really demonstrated what l would consider to be an excellent student.”
“Carolyn is studious, articulate, professional, appropriate and employable, and I have no doubt she will be successful in her new career.
“She was, and still is, a very worthy student here at TAFE Gippsland and an inspiration to her peers.”
Michelle said Carolyn displayed exceptional leadership skills throughout the course and during her work placement.
“From a work placement perspective, Carolyn was lovely to deal with and was extremely thankful during the process. She gained employment from her placement facility before she’d finished the required hours of placement,” Michelle said.
“This is a true indication of an employer seeing potential in the student and taking the opportunity to secure a new graduate. It’s a wonderful outcome for Carolyn, for TAFE Gippsland and for Traralgon Aged Care facility.”
For Carolyn, the new career role at Traralgon Aged Care has tapped into her warmth, enthusiasm and compassion for others as she provides quality care for her residents in their care home.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity that has come my way following the introduction of Free TAFE initiative and for TAFE Gippsland’s help in allowing me to work in this sector,” Carolyn said
“It would have taken me two years to save the funds to pay for the tuition for this course and make the positive change I needed as I looked forward to the last 15-20 years for what I truly wanted for my career.”
Carolyn said her course participation was “truly rewarding” as prior to starting the course, she found herself with personal and professional challenges.
“It did wonders for my mental health; participating in the course stimulated not only my mind but also I made great connections with classmates and built solid friendships out of time spending at TAFE,” Carolyn said.
Carolyn hopes to graduate with a Diploma of Nursing one day soon after choosing to defer further study in 2020 with TAFE Gippsland due to personal circumstances.
“I deferred the Diploma of Nursing study for this year, but I’m spending this year building up my professional experience in the workplace,” she said.
“I’m now looking forward so that 2021 will see me walking through the TAFE Gippsland doors in Morwell once again.”
Carolyn’s outlook on her TAFE Gippsland training experience and her career change is uplifting and inspirational.
“If you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life!”
For all media-related enquiries, call;
Neil Lawson - Communications Coordinator, TAFE Gippsland
Phone - 0419 425 804
Email - nlawson@tafegippsland.edu.au or news@tafegippsland.edu.au