Taking that first step to enrol in study can be daunting but for TAFE Queensland Bundaberg graduate Annika Candy, it led her to the completion of her Diploma and kick-started her nursing career.
Ms Candy is one of many success stories to come out of TAFE Queensland last year as the organisation reassures locals that it’s not too late to study in 2022.
With Semester 1 commencing next week, TAFE Queensland is preparing to welcome an influx of new students to its Bundaberg campus for student orientations.
However, Faculty Director for Business, Hospitality and Language (East Coast region), Joanne Charters said the training provider would continue taking enrolments for the next two weeks, providing residents who have not yet enrolled with a second chance to get started on their 2022 career goals.
“For school leavers, it can be difficult deciding on the career they want to commit to, while others may feel they need to weigh up their existing personal and professional obligations before investing in developing new skills,” Ms Charters said.
“As an organisation that is dedicated to supporting the community and its residents in gaining the quality, hands-on training they need to succeed, while fulfilling industry demand, TAFE Queensland offers a variety of pathways, delivery options and support to suit our students’ needs.
“There are also several funding options available, including JobTrainer and Free TAFE for Under 25s, making training more affordable for eligible Queenslanders than ever.”
Annika's nursing career takes off after TAFE Queensland study
Bundaberg local Annika Candy graduated with a Diploma of Nursing in June last year after enrolling in the Semester 1 2020 intake.
Ms Candy said it was a decision she was glad she made, having since gained full-time employment as an enrolled nurse with a local doctor’s surgery.
“The course wasn't long at all, only 18 months including three placements, and the facilities TAFE Queensland has are amazing — they have a full ward unit with every piece of equipment we needed to refine our skills each day,” Ms Candy said.
“At only 19-years-old, I feel as though TAFE has provided me with a huge advantage and set me up for my future.
“I now have a diploma under my belt and a secure job in an industry which I love.”
Ms Candy said she initially didn’t know what she wanted to do for a living, but decided to enrol in the Diploma of Nursing after her mother suggested she look into the course.
“It’s the best decision I have made for my career,” she said.
“I went from being straight out of school and working the register at Woolworths with no idea of what I wanted to be, to now working alongside surgeons and experienced medical professionals every day.”
Ms Candy now plans to continue her studies in the future and become a Registered Nurse, but said for now, she was happy knowing her work supported others at their most vulnerable.
“In the kind of work I do, there are so many windows of opportunity to branch out into other specialised fields, which I hope to explore when I feel the time is right,” she said.
“My goal is to make an impact in my patients’ lives.
“I hope to be the person who manages to put a smile on my patients’ faces in what could be their darkest times, and inspire others to push themselves to their full potential and know that no dream is too unrealistic.”
Ms Candy said she encouraged others considering enrolling to study in 2022 to take the plunge and pursue what they were truly passionate about.
“There's no harm in trying something new, and you never know — it could open the doorway to your dream job,” she said.
“Grab the opportunity with both hands, and invest in yourself. Your future will thank you for it.”
A wide range of courses remain open for enrolments until Monday 7 February, including the Certificate III in Accounts Administration, Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), Certificate IV in Ageing and Support, and Diploma of Nursing, as well as qualifications in beauty, education support, early childhood education and care, and horticulture.
Enrolments for Semester 1 2022 are still open, so visit the website or call 1300 308 233, and let TAFE Queensland help you define your greatness.
