Gunnedah graduate’s achievement celebrated

THE achievements of a Gunnedah graduate have been placed in the spotlight by TAFE NSW.

Jennifer McMahon, who recently completed her Diploma of Nursing, was among the success stories shared for National Careers Week.

McMahon turned to her local TAFE campus to grow her career in what was a journey of perseverance, resilience and rediscovery.

Initially facing uncertainty in her study and career path, McMahon found her passion in aged care, where supporting others gave her a strong sense of purpose.

Over time she built experience across aged care, disability and mental health settings, while also navigating significant personal health challenges.

Despite these pressures and with support from TAFE NSW Gunnedah, McMahon successfully completed her diploma, achieving a long-held goal and stepping into a career she values deeply.

“I didn’t always feel confident in my abilities, especially after leaving school early, but over time I found my passion in caring for others,” she said.

“Even when things didn’t go to plan, I kept trying, because I knew it was something I truly cared about.

“Studying later in life was daunting, and there were moments I wasn’t sure I could do it, particularly after everything I’d been through.

“But with the encouragement of my teachers, classmates and husband Ben, I found the confidence to keep going. Now I feel incredibly proud to have achieved something so meaningful and to work in a career I love.”

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, total employment is forecast to increase by around 6.5 per cent.

This is driven by strong demand across sectors including health care and social assistance, professional services, education and technical industries, highlighting the importance of practical, job-ready training.

Further highlighting the need for practical skills, a recent report from global hiring platform Indeed shows job postings in Australia remain elevated.

This is consistent with the demand for specialised, job-ready skills continuing to rise.

“Workforce change is opening new pathways for people to enter high-demand industries through practical, flexible training,” said Chloe Read, TAFE NSW managing director.

“TAFE NSW education and training includes short courses, a mix of online and face-to-face learning as well as industry work placements, microskills and microcredentials.

“We are intentional about building student confidence and responding to workforce demand so graduates can move quickly into employment or further study.

“Whether you’re starting out, changing direction, or looking to progress in your career, TAFE NSW is here to help you navigate that journey.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said National Careers Week was a reminder of the strong, job-ready skills TAFE NSW delivers.

“Vocational education and training (VET) delivers the skills across growing industries where careers have a practical focus. It (VET) gives people the opportunity to build confidence, gain experience and take control of their future career,” he said.

“National Careers Week is an opportunity to recognise the vital role TAFE NSW plays in upskilling our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”