Sunbury’s newest TAFE is already helping locals turn professional experience into new opportunities – including a registered nurse who is now sharing her knowledge with young people exploring futures in nursing and healthcare.
Renee Ridington recently completed Kangan Institute’s Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, delivered locally at the Hume Global Learning Centre. The centre is an interim training location supporting Sunbury residents while the institute’s new permanent campus is under construction.
After graduating as a qualified trainer, Renee is now working as a vocational education and training (VET) teacher in a secondary school, alongside her ongoing role as a registered nurse. In the classroom, she supports students working towards a Certificate III in Allied Health Services, helping them build skills and confidence as they begin their pathway into healthcare.
Renee says several factors motivated her to enrol in the course.
“I originally chose it because it was something I thought about doing for a little while. It would improve my job opportunities as a nurse. For a registered nurse to be a nurse educator, we often need a qualification and it can be a significant pay rise,” she said.
“I also enjoy teaching; I had enjoyed teaching my own children when home during Covid.
“I’ve put in a lot of work in my spare time and I felt like maybe I should pursue something while the momentum was fresh. Put myself out there and see what happens.
“As soon as I saw the course was in Sunbury, I fully committed knowing it was close to home and it would be really silly not to take up that opportunity.”
Delivered as a Free TAFE* course, the qualification offered Renee, 48, a chance to broaden a career she has built over 25 years, without the financial pressure that can make further study difficult.
“When I did research, I realised it was on the Free TAFE list. I have two teenage children and I wouldn’t have been able to afford to do it for myself at the time,” she said.
The course had a significant impact for Renee, building both her confidence and her readiness to step into a teaching role.
“My teacher was amazing, made us feel confident we could do it. I got great feedback,” she said.
That confidence has carried into her new role, where she is still in the early stages of her teaching career.
“It’s only been 11 weeks; it’s a whole new learning experience for me but I’m feeling much more confident. I’ve got lots of different options,” she said.
Having lived in Sunbury for more than 20 years, Renee says access to local TAFE training – and a permanent campus on the way – makes a real difference for people balancing work, family and study.
“It’s a perfect opportunity for people of all ages to access adult education. It’s positioned great, close to public transport,” she said.
“To be totally honest, when I did start researching to do the course, I was aware of the TAFE opening in Sunbury and I thought it might be a possibility to teach locally.”
Kangan Institute has been delivering interim training in Sunbury since 2024, supporting a fast‑growing community forecast to more than double by 2046. Current offerings also include vocational English and expanded vocational education and training options for secondary school students.
The new Sunbury Campus, backed by $25 million in Victorian Government funding, will span nearly 3,000 square metres across 7 Evans Street and 2-4 O’Shanassy Street, opening in mid‑2028.
The campus will support future training in areas such as hair and beauty, digital technologies, education support, vocational English and other priority programs, designed in partnership with schools and employers to meet local workforce needs.
View designs of the upcoming campus here, with more information about training programs at Sunbury here.
The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) is the qualification required to deliver training or assessment in the vocational education and training sector.
Explore the course and its upcoming mid-year intake here.
Quote attributable to Kangan Institute CEO Laura Macpherson:
“Stories like Renee’s show the power of local training. When people can study close to home, they’re more likely to take that next step, whether that’s changing careers, upskilling, or giving back by supporting the next generation.
“Our future Sunbury Campus will build on this work, creating more opportunities for locals to gain job‑ready skills and supporting industries that are vital to the region.”
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(*Some or all of this training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Free TAFE on selected courses only. Eligibility criteria apply. Tuition is free. Other fees and charges, including materials and consumables may apply. Visit freetafe.vic.gov.au)
