It’s been one year since Kangan Institute’s Health and Community Centre of Excellence opened in Broadmeadows – and in that time, more than 1,600 local students have trained for careers in nursing, health and community services.
The milestone comes as demand for health and care workers continues to grow, with more than 90,300 new workers expected in Victoria over the next three years.
The anniversary also coincides with seven years of Free TAFE* in Victoria and the protection of the Free TAFE Guarantee in Parliament this week, supporting students to train for in demand health and care roles without the cost of tuition fees.
Students from suburbs including Roxburgh Park and Meadow Heights are already preparing to step into roles that directly support the local community – many through Free TAFE.
Diploma of Nursing student Ceylan Sahinkaya, from Roxburgh Park, said studying nursing felt like the right step towards a rewarding and people-focused career.
“I wanted to choose a career where I could help others and continue learning while making a positive impact,” she said.
Currently balancing study with retail work, Ceylan says Free TAFE has helped make her career change possible by reducing financial stress and supporting her education journey.
“Nursing is what I want to do in the future, and Free TAFE has made it much easier for me to work towards that goal. (It) made it easier for me to study, especially in a well-designed facility.”
Ceylan plans to complete a Bachelor of Nursing after her diploma and is interested in pursuing pathways in midwifery or emergency nursing.
Other students include Olga Pereira, a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care student, who is retraining for a career in early childhood education after moving from Brazil.
“I was a software tester – a comfortable career – but teaching was a childhood dream for me,” Olga shared.
The Meadow Heights resident enrolled at Kangan Institute’s Health and Community Centre of Excellence, just minutes away from home, after visiting the campus during induction.
“I visited this building and I fell in love. It has an amazing sim lab, giving me an idea of what it’ll be like in a real centre,” she said.
Now close to completing her certificate and planning to progress to the diploma, Olga says support from teachers and availability of Free TAFE had made a significant difference in her journey.
“The teachers are amazing. I really feel they really want the class to succeed in what we’re doing. They push us to do better,” she said.
“Free TAFE give me this opportunity – you don’t need to worry about fees, just come here and concentrate on your studies.”
The Health and Community Centre of Excellence supports training across health and community services at Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows Campus, including a range of Free TAFE* options. The Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021), Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121), Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) are among the Free TAFE courses offered at Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows Campus. Find out more here.
Hear from some of our other students
(*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)
