TAFE NSW Expands Health Training in Hunter Amid Workforce Demand

Source: TAFE NSW

Aspiring health professionals across the Hunter will benefit from expanded study options, with TAFE NSW Maitland and Glendale offering the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance for the first time.

This course gives students a direct, supported entry point to work in healthcare, ideal for those seeking an alternative pathway or wanting a glimpse of what a future career in the industry may look like.  

The launch of these courses comes at a crucial time for the region, with the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) providing care for more than 942,000 people, with population numbers and demand for healthcare workers continuing to rise. Nationally, the latest data from NSW Health shows that an additional 79,000 nurses will be needed by 2035, with pathways including Health Services Assistance critical to help meet this demand.

Over the six-month course, students will gain practical, job-ready skills, including infection control, vital signs monitoring, and a deep understanding of the Australian healthcare system. Graduates can move straight into employment as a Health Service Assistant or choose to continue their studies in qualifications such as a Certificate IV in Ageing Support or the Diploma of Nursing.

High school students will also benefit from the new course’s arrival, also available in the Hunter as both a School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) and a TAFE-delivered VET (TVET) program, giving young people the chance to begin their health career while completing their HSC.

For 19-year-old Wyong local, Ella Burton, the Certificate III in Health Service Assistance was the turning point that confirmed her passion for a career in nursing.

“Finishing school at 17, I wasn’t sure if university was the right path for me, or even whether I had what it took to work in healthcare,” Ella said.  

“Completing the six-month course gave me the confidence to know that nursing was where I wanted to be. It gave me the foundational skills and reassurance I needed to continue with the Diploma of Nursing.”

Now only months away from completing the Diploma, Ella is excited to begin her career as an enrolled nurse. She plans to continue her studies at university down the line to become a registered nurse, a journey she says began with the confidence she gained at TAFE NSW Wyong.

Semester 1 classes are underway, with local students beginning their journey and gaining practical skills that will make a difference to the community.

TAFE NSW Wyong Health Services Assistance teacher, Olivia Shine, highlights how the course is opening doors for many who thought a career in healthcare was out of reach.

“Whether someone didn’t finish school, is returning to study after years, or is simply unsure where to start, the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance gives them a supported entry point into the industry,” she says.

As students quickly build confidence, discover new strengths, and learn practical healthcare skills, Olivia notes how she sees her students realise that they can belong in healthcare.

“For many, this qualification will become the turning point that leads them into further study, such as a Diploma of Nursing, or straight into meaningful work, instantly supporting their community” Olivia continued.

Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said, “Increased local healthcare education and training is about delivering the skills that work for students, communities, and industry, so more locals can stay, train, and support the much-needed skills pipeline across a range of healthcare settings.

“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring whether you’re at school, finished school, or you’re wanting to change careers to enter the healthcare industry, a range of training pathways are possible through TAFE NSW.”

Find out more information about the Certificate III Health Service Assistance course, as well as other healthcare courses offered at TAFE NSW, visit Healthcare Courses | TAFE NSW.