Jamie is pictured (middle) during an enrolment session in Morwell as another Community Services student begins her learning journey.
One of TAFE Gippsland’s newest educators has an uplifting story to tell about the influence of TAFE training in changing careers.
Jamie Imlach is just one of TAFE Gippsland’s newest staff members having joined us on 4 January as a teacher in the Community Services, Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Department.
Traralgon campus-based Jamie’s story has come a full circle nearly a decade after studying with TAFE and a stint in the local power industry.
Community Services Program Manager, Kristine Walsh, says Jamie is a great example of someone who decided to change careers after the contraction in local major industry.
“Jamie came to us around 10 years ago and studied his Certificate IV and Diploma in Community Services; then went into industry for about nine years and has now returned to us as a teacher,” Kristine said.
“He was working at Hazelwood power station in Emergency Services at a time when Hazelwood workers had to redefine their careers, and he made the decision to re-skill and move into Community Services sector.”
Kristine said Jamie’s attitude and application since joining in January have been a real boost to the team
“He's a really positive guy and it was his great student experience with us when he studied his certificate that has drawn him back to us all these years later.”
Jamie himself is thoroughly enjoying the role in helping new students begin their Community Services journey.
“After almost 10 years in the sector, I wanted to give back and the best way that I could think of was to give students some of what I have learnt over the years,” Jamie said.
“To be able to set them up on their journey into the community service sector is so satisfying and to also give them the same great experience that I got from TAFE, which made my time out in the sector such a rewarding time for me.”
“I believe that TAFE have got it right in the way that they set their students up for the future in their chosen careers.”
You too can transform yourself at TAFE Gippsland just like Jamie Imlach, with more information on Health and Community Services courses available on our TAFE Gippsland website: https://www.tafegippsland.edu.au/courses
Jamie Imlach is pictured second from left in back row during a recent Enrolment Day and a visit to Traralgon campus by local MLC Harriet Shing.