Grace discovers her true passion

"I learnt some incredible leadership lessons, managing myself and my time, and I loved it. But the long days and managing that many people were mentally very draining," explained Grace. 

Experiencing sleepless nights, a mild coffee addiction and feeling in need of a career change, Grace decided to pursue her passion.

"I've always been passionate about animals but didn't know how to get into the field. So, I searched what qualifications you needed to get into an animal career, and discovered TAFE Queensland and applied online."

Studying both the Pet Grooming Non-Accredited Short Course (NONAC05011) and the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) at the Grovely campus, Grace is gaining the skills she needs for a career in animal care.

"I came to campus for orientation, saw the facilities, and loved it. It was super exciting to start a career aligned with my passion," she said.

"I love animals because they are unconditionally loving but don't have a voice. So, being able to support them and improve their lives is something I'm passionate about. This is something I've always wanted to do."

Helping Grace change careers are her teachers, who she describes as inspiring as they teach her the new skills to work in a vet clinic one day. 

"My teachers have many years of industry experience and have accomplished so much. Their industry knowledge and accomplishments are inspiring, and they're teaching the next generation of animal care workers to do more and be better for the animal industry."

"They give us examples from their own experience, so to have your teacher explain what can happen, how it's happened to them, and what not to do in those situations or things that could better help is invaluable."

Grace's teachers also connected her to the Animal Welfare League, where she now volunteers to enrich the lives of shelter animals while enhancing her knowledge of the animal care industry further.

"It's great being there to support the animals and do my absolute best to care for them and make them feel safe and comfortable. It's very fulfilling," she said.

Also helping Grace are her classmates who share her passion for animals while helping and supporting her through her studies.

"I've made a great group of friends, and when we struggle with the assignments, we message each other and help each other out. We're all close, and it's great being around people who share the same passion for animals as you – I feel like I've found my tribe."

Complimenting her teachers and classmates is her classroom - an industry-standard dog grooming facility where she learns using the same equipment as commercial dog grooming clinics.

"My classroom is a working grooming salon. It's clean and hygienic, and I'm getting real-life knowledge in a hands-on learning environment."

"It's well set up, and if I go into a clinic, I'll know the names of different products and equipment and how to use them."

Despite some initial trepidation, Grace is happy to be learning the skills to professionally groom dogs through her grooming qualification. At the same time, her animal care certificate provides her with the foundation to continue studying to become a vet.

"Coming to TAFE was terrifying because I was so used to my routine. But after the first couple of lessons here, I was like, 'Oh, this is great. I love coming to class every day and learning something new.'"

"I didn't realise it was so in-depth, but it is, and there are so many things you need to know about working with animals."

"But it's not hard to learn when you love it. I didn't think I was much of a student before, but that was because I needed to study the right topic. Now I'm finding it easy to retain knowledge because I passionately want to know and understand it."

"Things like infectious diseases that transfer from animal to animal, health and safety, reading an animal's body language and knowing when to keep your distance and how to take a calmer approach."

"I apply this knowledge when working at the Animal Welfare League, and it has made a difference to the animals I work with – it's so rewarding."

In five to ten years, I plan to study veterinary science to become a vet while doing grooming on the side. TAFE Queensland has opened so many avenues for me. Coming here to change careers has made me eager to learn for life, and I'm confident I'll have the career of my dreams," concluded Grace.