"One of the benefits of studying with TAFE NSW is that the education system is technical and career oriented. My TAFE teachers were always there for me and they are very good at their job. I think that the environment and the way in which you are taught impacts on your studies."

Marie-Florence Bonarien, Mauritius

Meet Our Students

Paolo Polimeni - Italy
Diploma of Community Welfare
Diploma of Disability Work

“I chose to study in Australia for the great quality of life, the level of education and the possibility of skilled migration."

Paolo Polimeni knew he wanted his career to focus on helping people but, in his native Italy, he couldn't find a course that taught these skills.

"In Italy there is no equivalent vocational education training like TAFE NSW Institutes," he said.

So he started to search for courses, which led him to Australia and the Diploma of Community Welfare and the Diploma of Disability Work taught at TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute.

TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute, Kingscliff College, is a one-hour flight from Sydney and 20 minutes from the Gold Coast. The Institute spans northern New South Wales coastlines, and includes the cities of Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.

"I chose to study in Australia for the great quality of life, the level of education and the possibility of skilled migration," he said. Studying at North Coast Institute, an Australian Government-approved regional institute, meant Paolo received five extra points towards his migration application.

Paolo found the practical teaching methods and student support services impressive. "I enjoyed the opportunity to participate in class, to give my opinion and be part of the discussion," he said.

TAFE NSW Institute class sizes are small with an average 1:15 teacher-student ratio. While studying both courses, Paolo completed work placements in a youth refuge and with two charity organisations. "The placements were very useful as they gave me a real opportunity to see what community work is like," he said. Since graduation in 2006, Paolo has applied for Australian permanent residency and now is employed as a Social Support Program Manager with a not-for-profit community organisation. Paolo works with the elderly, people with disabilities and those living with HIV/AIDS. "All the skills I learned at TAFE NSW I'm using every day." Paolo intends to continue to work in this area and will become an Australian citizen later this year.

Australia is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in various occupations including community welfare. Many employers, like Paolo's, provide work placement to TAFE NSW students enrolled in the Diploma of Community Service confident that TAFE NSW students will have the academic knowledge, excellent professional skills and practical experience required in the workplace.

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