Free TAFE paves way for new career later in life

EPSOM resident Nicole Atherton says she is living the dream after securing a role at a local hospital before completing her Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) at Bendigo TAFE’s city campus Health and Community Centre of Excellence.

After leaving school in year 10 and working in retail and factory jobs for many years, she enrolled in the course determined to establish a career in nursing, a goal that has been steadily approaching reality.

In the face of managing her own chronic illness and having to care for both of her parents before they died, the 53-year-old said TAFE has served as a pathway to bigger and better things.

“I thought the door was closed at my age,” she said.

“But TAFE makes it so much easier (and the) teachers inspire you to keep going, even when you’re struggling.

“I’m proud of where I am now and I’m excited for the future – you’re never too old to learn.”

Atherton now hopes to make the most of her own lived experience to eventually find work as a palliative care nurse.

“I want to be there for people for the hardest part of life,” she said.

“I want to be a better nurse and be there for the clinical side of things.”

She said as a mature-age learner, the fact that her tuition fees were waived under the state government’s Free TAFE program has been critical.

“It made a big difference financially, especially later in life,” she said.

“It is a great, great initiative.”

Atherton is now getting ready to continue her remarkable journey by beginning her Diploma of Nursing next month – another local Free TAFE course.