Careers Taking Off Through Scone TAFE

THE TAFE NSW Scone Connected Learning Centre has provided one Sconeite, Kea Connolly, the pathway to her dream career.

 Ms Connolly was one of the first students to take advantage of the range of new courses available in Scone and after embarking on a personal education journey with TAFE in 2019, she landed a job at HammondCare.

Kea said the new TAFE facility helped her to find a career she is passionate about and her teachers have “changed her life.” 

“The TAFE NSW teachers are fabulous, they are friendly and welcoming, and I became confident to apply for a Certificate III in Individual Support Ageing,” said Ms Connolly. 

“I now love my job, it’s very rewarding. I have found something that I feel I can turn into career,” said Ms Connolly.

Before enrolling in a short course at the TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre, Kea said her career options were restricted.  

“I didn’t know what I wanted to be, what my goal or purpose was and so I floated for a long time,” said Ms Connolly.  

“I didn’t finish my HSC and my employability skills have been limited,” she said.

“Without experience, no one really looked at me when I applied for work,” she said.

The state-of-the-art facility provides Upper Hunter communities greater access to education, training and employment outcomes.

Ms Connolly developed the practical skills and experience she needed to secure employment as a Care Service Employee with HammondCare in Scone. Pictured: Lynne Ring and Kea Connolly.

 Alyshia Petersen TAFE NSW teacher/coordinator said working in the aged care sector is a rewarding, meaningful and important career.  

“People working in aged care, particularly in rural and remote locations, are making a real difference to the lives of older people through the care they provide,” said Ms Petersen.

“Kea has worked hard to achieve her goals and it is pleasing to see her succeed and be employed locally,” she said.

Lynne Ring TAFE Services Coordinator said the Scone facility is something “the community can be really proud of”.

“Since opening in July 2019, the feedback from students has been very positive as they have access to new technology and a wider range of hands-on courses and flexible study options,” said Ms Ring.

“New course offerings for Semester 2 are now being finalised so now is a great time to consider upskilling or re-training at TAFE NSW, just like Kea did,’ she said.