Two Tertiary Preparation Course (TPC) students from TAFE NSW Illawarra Goulburn have received early entry into university to follow their dream careers. 

Seventeen-year-old Kiara Davis has been been accepted to study a double degree in Health and Science and Chiropractic Science at RMIT in Melbourne and Alanna Long has been accepted to study a Degree in Primary Education (STEM) at the University of Canberra.

Kiara took the opportunity to attend the TAFE NSW Illawarra’s Choices Day last year and had a chat with Head Teacher Leon Williamson about educational pathways she could explore.

“The best thing about studying at TAFE is the supportive environment and being treated like an adult,” she said.

“We got consistent support with assignments, Leon even prepared me for the university interview. He went above and beyond his teaching role,” says Kiara.

“I’m so excited. TAFE has prepared me for uni because the style of learning is more aligned with university, so I’m really grateful.”

Kiara has always wanted to open up her own chiropractic practice and now feels one step closer to achieving her goal.

“I have always had a love for the human anatomy; I love the natural side of healing.”

Meanwhile, mature-age student and recent recipient of the Veolia Scholarship Alanna Long recognised her family was growing up and it was time for a change.

“I’m a cook but I’ve always been interested in education so I went to TAFE and talked with Leon. I personally thought it was too late cos I’ve been out of school for 20 years,” Alanna said. 

She is striving for a career as a primary-school teacher. 

“I want to help kids learn. I don’t want to see kids left behind,” she said. 

“The TAFE environment is really supportive and flexible. It was a great way to balance family, learning and work,” says Alanna.

Head Teacher Business and Education Leon Williamson is pleased but not surprised by the calibre of his TPC students.

“We recognise that our learners can have a variety of barriers to their learning and we work with them to achieve successful outcomes in a flexible and supportive approach,” Leon said.

“Our other TPC students are all working hard to achieve their goals. Most will go on to university or some other form of study. The good thing about the TPC is that it is a higher level qualification than the HSC and when the marks are converted to an ATAR, our students do very well. I expect some very good results again this year.”

For more information visit www.illawarra.tafensw.edu.au/choices-day-2016/ for a full list of locations and event activities.