The most in-demand occupations in the Cootamundra electorate have been revealed with locals encouraged to ready themselves for the jobs boom by equipping themselves with skills and training through TAFE NSW.
Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the face of the region’s jobs market was changing, with early childhood educator expected to be the fastest-growing occupation over the next three years, climbing by 14.3 per cent.
“We need a workforce that will continue to underpin NSW as the nation’s leading economy, and the strongest workforce which is one that’s continually learning, upskilling, and keeping up-to-date with new technologies,” Ms Cooke said.
“TAFE NSW is helping people get the practical skills and knowledge they need for local jobs, to help turbocharge our region’s economy now and into the future.”
Other occupations expected to see rapid growth locally are teacher’s aides (11.6 per cent), beauty therapists (11 per cent), miners (10.7 per cent), and kitchenhands (10 per cent).
Nadine Walker is one of many locals to fast track their career with a TAFE NSW qualification. The 40-year-old mum completed a Certificate III in Beauty Services and a Certificate III in Nail Technology and now works at Eye Spy Beauty in Cowra.
Ms Walker said she has “never enjoyed anything more” than studying at TAFE NSW and working in the beauty industry, and now plans to complete a Diploma of Beauty Therapy to further enhance her skills.
“I’m so glad that I took a chance and followed my dreams. I absolutely love my job and feel so privileged my boss gave me the opportunity of a lifetime,” Ms Walker said.
“I would certainly encourage others to study at TAFE NSW as it was a wonderful learning environment. Being hands-on and having quality face-to-face support really encouraged me to succeed. TAFE NSW training changes lives and mine is a good story and lesson to learn from.”
For more information about TAFE NSW courses, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
