Amongst hundreds of applicants applying for highly regarded tertiary programs, three Northam TAFE nursing students have been offered post graduate positions at three prestigious Perth hospitals.
Jessica Douglas and Niamh Wooster have both been offered positions at St John of God in Midland and Subiaco, and Sarah Bennett has been accepted into the Fiona Stanley Peri-Operative program.
Several other graduates at the Northam campus have been in discussions with WA Country Health Service (WACHS) for work opportunities and are also planning on progressing into related university studies in 2020.
CRTAFE Northam training services director Delia Pascua-McGlew said this year's graduates had achieved outstanding results throughout their studies and the placements were well deserved.
"We couldn't be prouder of our graduates," she said.
"All of their hard work and dedication has paid off, and we are thrilled that their knowledge and skills have been recognised by these prestigious hospitals.
"The nursing programs at the Northam campus are highly regarded by industry because of the in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical training provided to our students.
"They study in a simulated workplace environment, in state-of-the-art facilities, where our industry experienced lecturers teach them as though they are in a real hospital; this gives them an advantage and ensures they are well-prepared and job ready,.
Ms Pascua-McGlew said the students' acceptance into the post-graduate programs spoke volumes about the importance of TAFE for those wanting to pursue a nursing career, and was a testament to the quality of training offered at the Northam campus.
Graduate Jessica Douglas said she chose nursing because it would provide nationally recognised skills which could lead her into different health related pathways and would assist her with being able work whilst travelling.
"I really enjoyed my time at CRTAFE, the training is hands-on, and students even have days out in the community experiencing real life situations," she said.
"Once completing my post graduate studies I hope to develop my skills and become a mental health nurse for the Australian Defence Force."
Graduate Sarah Bennett said after her traineeship in business administration she wanted a new challenge and decided to study enrolled nursing.
"I chose to study at the Northam campus because of the smaller class sizes and individual training time with lecturers," she said.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience, and would definitely recommend this nursing qualification to others.
"I have a passion for helping people and making a difference in their lives.
"I hope to one day complete my registered nursing qualification at university and then complete a masters degree to become a nurse practitioner."
This year's graduates also sought advice and assistance from the Northam Jobs and Skills Centre in preparation for the rigorous post-graduate job applications, which included resume and selection criteria submissions, and several rounds of interviews.
Those interested in studying the Diploma of Enrolled Nursing at the Northam, Geraldton or Kalgoorlie campuses are encouraged to apply before 2020 applications close on December 6.
For more information and to enroll visit the CRTAFE website or call 1800 672 700.
