A NORTHERN Rivers nursing student whose path into healthcare was shaped by caring for his terminally ill mother is set to represent Australia in the 2026 Global Skills Challenge.<\/p>\n
John Ray, who works at Lismore Base Hospital, joined the national Skillaroos team after a highly competitive two-year process involving more than 3,000 aspiring vocational students.<\/p>\n
The 2026 Global Skills Challenge is being held from 24-28 June across three TAFE NSW Illawarra campuses.<\/p>\n
It forms a key lead-in to the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in September.<\/p>\n
Ray’s connection to healthcare work began alongside his mother from the age of 14 when she worked in disability and dementia support at a respite centre in Brunswick Heads.<\/p>\n
When became seriously unwell with terminal kidney failure, Ray and his family stepped into a hands-on caring role at home.<\/p>\n
“That was a huge part of why I wanted to go into healthcare,” he said.<\/p>\n
“She was always involved in healthcare and disability-focused work. We’d go in and help out, and I really enjoyed being around that environment.<\/p>\n
“I was caring for her as she got sicker, and I wanted to be able to help more, reduce her number of hospital visits and make things a bit easier.”<\/p>\n
“It taught me resilience, patience and the importance of empathy \u2013 qualities I carry into my work every day.”<\/p>\n
A school-based TAFE program in Year 10 further shaped his career pathway.<\/p>\n
While still at school, he completed a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance before securing a position as an Assistant in Nursing at Lismore Base Hospital. He continues to work in the same ward today, building on the experience and skills he first developed as a student.<\/p>\n
Ray has since completed his Diploma of Nursing and become an endorsed enrolled nurse, continuing to build his clinical experience while progressing through the Skillaroos team.<\/p>\n
“I didn’t even know TAFE had healthcare,” he said. “I thought it was just for tradies.<\/p>\n
“I genuinely love the work I do. Nursing gives you the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.”<\/p>\n
Ray’s selection into the Skillaroos has opened the door to international competition, including a trip to Taiwan.<\/p>\n
“It’s amazing to test yourself against some of the best in the world and see where you can improve,” he said. “But it also reminds me why I started this in the first place.”<\/p>\n
The Wollongong competition serves as a final lead-in to Shanghai, where competitors from around 50 countries will go head-to-head in a four-day international skills contest.<\/p>\n
Ray said he hopes his journey encourages more young people to consider alternative routes into healthcare.<\/p>\n
“There are so many pathways,” he said. “You don’t have to go to university straight away to build a meaningful career.<\/p>\n
“I want people to see what’s possible through TAFE and vocational training.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NORTHERN Rivers nursing student whose path into healthcare was shaped by caring for his terminally ill mother is set to represent Australia in the 2026 Global Skills Challenge. John Ray, who works at Lismore Base Hospital, joined the national Skillaroos team after a highly competitive two-year process involving more than 3,000 aspiring vocational students. […]<\/p>\n