Prim shares her journey of courage and care

“I’m standing here today filled with gratitude and a real sense of accomplishment,” Prim told the audience of respected guests, teachers and fellow graduates.

Calm when she woke that morning, her confidence briefly disappeared as she faced the crowd.

“But the moment I stepped up and saw everyone looking back at me… woosh… that confidence disappeared quickly,” she explained.

Moments later, she was named Graduate of the Year for the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) - an honour she says she will cherish forever.

Prim’s pathway to graduation, a journey shaped by courage, was far from easy.

As a domestic violence survivor, Prim studied while living in a shelter, managing stress, depression and exhaustion, so returning to study required immense strength.

“The road was not easy,” she said.

Throughout her journey, she leaned on the unwavering support of her teacher, Margaret, and her two children, Chrispin and Chloe.

She also credits the dedicated teachers and counsellors at TAFE Queensland for helping her rebuild her confidence and believe in her future.

“I would not be standing here today if it weren’t for the amazing teachers and counsellors at TAFE Queensland. Their support and guidance have given us the skills and confidence we need to begin our journey as nursing assistants.”

Her achievement represents more than academic success. For Prim, it is a platform to speak for women who feel unheard or afraid.

“It fills me with a deep sense of pride to stand here today and represent all the vulnerable women who cannot speak for themselves… You are not alone, and it is time to say enough.”

Her journey with TAFE Queensland began in an English pre-school program, followed by completion of her Certificate III in English (22640VIC).

From there, she found a sense of belonging through education; she took the next step into health, determined to build a meaningful career.

However, on her first day in class, studying for her Cert III in health care assistance, doubt crept in.

“I still remember sitting down and thinking, ‘Am I in the wrong class? Everyone looks so young! Am I the only mum here?”

But when she realised that her classmates and teachers were all there for the same purpose and were in it together, those fears quickly faded.

Her story reflects the experiences of many TAFE Queensland students - parents balancing study with family responsibilities, students learning English as a second or third language, and individuals overcoming significant personal barriers.

“Let’s be honest, choosing to study is not easy. But despite all of that, I made it. And I did it alongside those classmates and teachers, and TAFE Queensland makes it possible for everyone,” Primitive said.

The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) is an entry-level qualification designed to prepare students for client care and support roles, often recognised as equivalent to an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) role.

Graduates develop practical skills in infection prevention, workplace health and safety, medical terminology, recognising healthy body systems and transporting clients - preparing them to work confidently across a range of healthcare settings.

For Prim, the qualification represents far more than a job opportunity.

“Being a nursing assistant is not just a job; it is a calling, and it means being willing to stand with people during their most vulnerable moments, to ease their pain, and to support their wellbeing.”

With strong employment growth projected for nursing support and personal care workers across Australia, Prim and her fellow graduates are entering an industry filled with opportunity - and responsibility.

“My fellow graduates and I can now comfort, support, and lift those who need us. I will always take this responsibility seriously.”

Prim closed her speech with a message she hopes others will carry with them: “You must always have faith in people, and most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself, she concluded.

Her journey is proof that education can be transformative - not only building careers but rebuilding lives.