It’s never too late with South West TAFE

Whether you are wanting to change careers, reinvent yourself, are a school leaver wanting to start a new career or you just want to learn something new, now is the perfect time to make a transformation.

And with free training now on offer in courses where the demand for skilled workers is strongest, there’s never been a better time to start studying.

At the age of 53, Rosemary Wilson has just completed her studies in Conservation and Land Management with South West TAFE and said the course had completely changed her life.

She said she had always had a passion for conservation and the natural environment but waited until her children had grown up, before taking her own opportunity to study.

Rosemary worked in the education and disability sectors before making the decision to return to study and was thrilled to gain a job as a team leader for Conservation Volunteers Australia before her course had even finished.

“I love what I get to do as a job every day and I would recommend to anyone to follow their passion and step outside of their comfort zone – they won’t regret it,” she said.

South West TAFE Executive Manager of Education Dr John Flett said Free TAFE and the high rate of success of former SWTAFE students meant there was no need to wait to start studying.

He said that more than ever, the skills required for high-demand jobs were learned at TAFE and Free TAFE removed the financial barrier for students wanting to undertake quality, accredited TAFE training.

According to the Commonwealth Government Department of Employment nine out of 10 careers predicted to have the most jobs growth don’t require a degree.

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research also found that last year 91.3 per cent of South West TAFE students found employment or enrolled in further study after training.

“What you get at TAFE is hands-on practical industry experience that improves job prospects and prepares you for a career in these growth areas.

“We provide real skills, experience and practical training that is up-to-date with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and highly experienced teachers. The facts prove that TAFE creates successful pathways to employment and further education opportunities,” Dr Flett said.

He said there was a wide range of courses on offer at South West TAFE that were either starting mid-year or that people could start at any time throughout the year.

Information sessions for all 2019 courses are being held at South West TAFE’s Warrnambool campus on June 17 and 18, Portland and Colac on June 19 and Hamilton and Glenormiston on June 20.

Visit swtafe.edu.au/infosessions to register for these sessions or to find out more.