How Charlie discovered his true calling in nursing

After leaving school in 2019 and facing a brief, unfulfilling stint studying business at university, Charlie knew he needed a change.

It wasn’t until a life-altering event in 2021, when a co-worker suffered a stroke, that Charlie called an ambulance, only to discover his true calling.

“Witnessing the swift, life-saving actions of paramedics sparked a desire in me to help others. This newfound passion led me to TAFE Queensland,” said Charlie.

Enrolling to study for the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at TAFE Queensland's Alexandra Hills campus, Charlie instantly knew he was studying for the right qualification at the right place.

Helping Charlie to embark on his life-changing educational journey to study for his career in caring was Fee-Free TAFE funding, which is part of the Queensland Government's Good People. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.

It aims to connect, educate, and attract the people needed to meet the state's workforce demand in existing and new industry sectors and support continued economic growth.

With approximately 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training places available in 2024, the program will support Queenslanders to skill up to meet the state's current and future workforce needs by enabling them to complete selected qualifications at no or low cost.

From day one at TAFE Queensland, Charlie was surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that set the stage for his training.

The industry-standard healthcare equipment and labs that simulate a hospital ward environment allowed Charlie to gain hands-on experience that was second to none, ensuring he was well-prepared for the challenges of the nursing profession.

However, it wasn’t just the facilities that stood out to Charlie; it was also the exceptional quality of his teachers, whom Charlie credits for his success thanks to their dedication to their students and the industry knowledge they brought to every class.

“My teachers Jen, Ingrid, Jenny, Lisa, and Bente went above and beyond to ensure that each class was educational and engaging. Even Jen’s surprise quizzes, though challenging, helped sharpen my skills and knowledge, preparing me for the demanding and rewarding career ahead,” he explained.

Another foundation of Charlie’s TAFE Queensland experience was the friendships he formed during his studies.

“Meeting my classmates Caitlin, Georgia, Sophie, and Piper on the first day marked the beginning of lifelong friendships.”

“Together, we supported each other through the highs and lows of the course, and as we progressed, our confidence grew, and so did our friendship bond – which will last a lifetime.”

Charlie completed four placements during his studies, each offering unique and invaluable experiences.

“From aged care and mental health to rural placements in Miles Hospital, some four and a half hours away, I discovered how well my TAFE Queensland training had prepared me for the real world.”

“My rural placement, in particular, stands out as a highlight. I thrived in the fast-paced, unpredictable environment, gaining firsthand experience in resuscitation and emergency care.”

“The hands-on training I received covered a wide spectrum of nursing environments that allowed me to thrive on placements, where I was able to hone my skills and solidify my passion for a career in nursing,” Charlie said.

Charlie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of TAFE Queensland training, and thanks to Fee-Free TAFE, he is pursuing his career dream without the burden of financial stress, focusing entirely on his education and future career.

The combination of industry-standard facilities, top-notch teaching, and the support of his peers helped Charlie find his true calling in nursing.

Now a graduate, Charlie is stepping into the nursing world with the confidence, skills, and compassion he needs to make a real difference.

For Charlie, it’s clear that TAFE Queensland played a pivotal role in helping him reach his full potential, guiding him every step on his journey to becoming the nurse he was meant to be.

“Nursing isn't just a 9-to-5 job; it's about making a real difference in people's lives when they need it most.”

“I know that the journey will have its ups and downs, but the true beauty of this profession lies in teamwork – from studying to placements to working as a nurse, there's always someone by your side at every level of this industry, ready to help,” concluded Charlie.