Health and Community Testimonials

Diploma of Community Services

Angelika Fevaleaki, student of Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021) is an award winner of the Aunty Melva Johnson Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2024.

“My passion and my drive would have to be my life experiences and my understanding of growing up and seeing my relatives that weren’t given an opportunity or the support to be better and be great", Angelika said.

Diploma of Community Services

About her time at Bendigo TAFE studying the Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015), Pinar said, “When I studied at Bendigo TAFE, it was more about what I really enjoyed doing and out of my life experiences, what I really wanted to do in terms of my passion. Bendigo TAFE having quite a lot of connections in this field, enabled me to follow that path. It was fantastic to do what I wanted rather than what was expected of me.” 

Diploma of Nursing 

Taylah Firmer transitioned into studying the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) after working for some time in retail.

“I chose to do nursing as I wanted to help people through some of their most vulnerable moments in life”, Taylah said.

On her experience with the Diploma, Taylah said, “First day I didn’t know a single person. Now I’ve walked out with some people that I would call my best friends.”

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

"After meeting my husband and moving to Bendigo from Thailand 10 years ago I completed the Certificate III in Spoken and Written English (10729NAT) at Bendigo TAFE, which I found was a great place to study and to improve my English and writing skills. After completing a Certificate III in Children’s Services, I didn’t hesitate to use Bendigo TAFE again to study and complete the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121)."

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Meet Franchesca Morrell, a graduate of Certificate III in Dental Assisting (HLT35021) from Bendigo TAFE and winner of the Victorian Trainee of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards 2022.

Raised in the Philippines, Mrs Morrell migrated to Australia at age 23. She worked for two years as a dental assistant in New South Wales, with the hopes of pursuing a formal dental assisting course to further her career prospects.

Diploma of Justice

Meet Jackson Gordon, a graduate of Diploma of Justice (22594VIC) from Bendigo TAFE.

Jackson started a Diploma of Justice to understand legislation, courts, and corrections. After completing a Diploma of Justice, Jackson commenced a Bachelor in Forensic Science at Deakin University.

Diploma of Nursing

After working for several years as a chef, Stephen decided to make the move into the healthcare industry.

“My wife recommended I go into healthcare,” he said. “She said I was a naturally caring person.”

It was then that Stephen made the move from the kitchen back into the classroom, undertaking a Personal Care Assistant course. As he had previously completed his Chef’s training with Bendigo TAFE, he knew it was the right place for him to support a career move.

Diploma of Nursing

“I decided to take the vocational approach so that I could get the fundamentals and gain experience before going on and furthering my education. Bendigo TAFE offered an excellent variety of resources and support for all students, with current best practice techniques, highly approachable staff and limitless online resources to aid in studying as well as more conventional methods within their library setting,” he said.

“(It was) a very rewarding course full of support from the teachers and the TAFE. You are industry ready – by the time you finish your course you are ready to work.”

Diploma of Nursing

Kathryn successfully completed a Diploma of Nursing at Bendigo TAFE using the Free TAFE grant.

“Because of Free TAFE I was able to study, keep up with home commitments and get employed. It wouldn’t have been a possibility if not for this grant,” said Ms Stanford, who also clinched Bendigo TAFE’s 2021 Student of the Year: Health Award.

Education Support

After eight years of being a "Mr Mum" I wanted to return to work and still be available to look after my kids. I have always had a personal interest in Education Support and working with young kids to assist them in their learning. 

This course helped me to succeed by giving me that knowledge and skills. While on practical placement (which lead to a paid position) I felt well prepared for what I experienced and had resources and class notes to assist me. I was also able to debrief with my TAFE teacher.