Jada Parkinson with her high school teacher Mrs Alderman. Photo: Supplied.
Cootamundra student Jada Parkinson is stepping into one of the Riverina’s most needed professions, after the death of her grandmother in 2021 inspired her to pursue a career in aged care.
“Seeing my nan’s experience in hospital made me realise I wanted to work in nursing and care for elderly people,” Jada said.
“They’re away from home and vulnerable, and you really become like family to them.”
The 17-year-old is set to complete her Certificate III in Individual Support at TAFE NSW Young in September, joining a workforce where carers for older people and those living with a disability are now the second-largest occupation in the Riverina.
The sector has grown by 38 per cent over the past five years, according to Jobs and Skills Australia data.
Jada is completing her qualification through a School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) while working at Cootamundra’s Adina Care, where she first started as a kitchenhand in 2023, balancing school, study and hands-on industry experience.
“The course has taught me how elderly people think and feel, and how to support their mental health as well as their physical care,” she said. “It’s helped me feel confident knowing how to respond in situations at work,” she said.
Delivered through a combination of classroom learning and practical training in simulated nursing environments, the Certificate III in Individual Support prepares students to assist clients with personal care, mobility, and daily living tasks while supporting independence and social wellbeing.
The course includes 120 hours of industry placement, helping students build professional networks and job-ready skills.
Jada said she enjoyed working locally.
“In a town like Cootamundra, you often know the residents or their families. Many know my grandparents or my dad, so there’s a sense of community,” she said.
TAFE NSW teacher Carolyn Bailey has supported Jada throughout her studies, helping her transition into vocational learning while completing non-ATAR subjects at school.
According to a 2025 federal parliamentary inquiry, Australia is facing a chronic shortage of aged care workers over the next 25 years.
The population aged 65 and over grew by 24 per cent between 2017 and 2024. In this time, the rate of people accessing home care services more than tripled and the number of older Australians living in residential aged care increased by six per cent.
The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) has estimated a potential shortfall of more than 110,000 direct-care workers within the decade and 400,000 workers by 2050.
