Abbey Williams didn’t hear the whispers of her career calling until after she’d finished school. But it didn’t take long for those faint murmurs to become a bold beckoning.
In 2021, two years after completing high school, Abbey Williams enrolled in our Certificate II In Animal Studies. She’d finished Year 12 not quite knowing which path to take, but after working as a dental nurse for a year, was pretty certain that teeth were not her thing.
But the simple act of enrolling in a TAFE Gippsland course turned out to be the fork in the road that set Abbey on her ‘forever career’ pathway.
“Throughout my course, my Placement Coordinator Mell Dawes was amazing with helping me find placement at Gumbuya World – a great experience which allowed me to work with wildlife, learn about the industry and gain experience with native animals,” Abbey said.
“I loved the course so much that I applied for Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing in 2022. Throughout this course I have had the opportunity to complete work placement in veterinary clinics in South and East Gippsland. These were great experiences where I was able to combine classroom learning with hands-on industry training and practice in the workplace.”
Currently employed as a trainee veterinary nurse in Bairnsdale and nearing the end of her 18-month course, Abbey has managed to consolidate her training and workplace experience thanks to the flexible nature of the TAFE qualification.
“The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing has been really suited to me as it is delivered online after hours,” Abbey explained.
“The course content is delivered via Zoom once a week and the teachers are easy to contact, come from industry and are knowledgeable in the field. There are some practical days held on campus, where we get to work with our peers, listen to guest speakers and complete practical activities.”
Excited for where her career path is heading following her graduation at the end of 2023, Abbey certainly has no regrets making the transition from dental nurse to veterinary nurse; a process she describes as easy and worthwhile.
Reflecting on her positive study experience, Abbey said she couldn’t have done it without the support of her trainers.
“Mell supported me in my placement throughout the course and it was great to know TAFE Gippsland works with industry to provide great learning experiences,” Abbey said.
“I really believe my practical placements were a big factor in me securing this role. My new workplace supports my TAFE journey, and the hands-on experience has been amazing. It is such a rewarding job.”
How you can study veterinary nursing at TAFE Gippsland
We provide a variety of courses to help you build your career as a vet nurse. To work as a vet nurse, you will eventually need a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing; however, our other Animal Studies courses are required for entry. Head to the course page on our website for more information or send us an email today!