Elizabeth Sutcliffe continues a family tradition. Photos: Supplied.
A Junee teenager who spent much of her childhood helping care for her grandmother is now following her family into aged care – and hopes to become a registered nurse.
Elizabeth Sutcliffe, 17, was among 19 Year 11 and 12 students graduating from TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga last week after completing vocational qualifications in health and aged and disability care while still at school.
For Elizabeth, the decision to study a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) was personal.
“I decided to do the ageing course because my mother’s mum had Alzheimer’s while I was growing up,” Elizabeth said.
“She had it for 11 years; my mum and I looked after her. After my grandmother died, my mother started working in aged care and my sisters did too – so it’s like a family tradition.”
Her career adviser recommended the course when she was in Year 10, giving her a chance to gain practical experience while completing high school.
Elizabeth now hopes to enrol in an applied nursing diploma in November before eventually becoming a registered nurse.
“I definitely enjoyed the TAFE course a lot more than going to school. I’m not one who likes sitting at a desk,” she said.
Her teacher, Katherine Doyle, said Elizabeth’s commitment stood out.
“I was lucky to teach Elizabeth’s sister as well, so it was a real family affair,” Ms Doyle said.
“Her willingness to get up early and work at such a young age shows her passion and dedication for the career.”
The qualification also gives Elizabeth an immediate pathway into the workforce while she continues her studies.
“It’s the perfect pathway for students eager to work and earn. She’s just 17 and has walked away with a full qualification,” Ms Doyle said.
“She can start working now and earn as much as $42 an hour.”
Elizabeth with her graduating class.
The pathway comes as the aged care sector continues to face pressure to attract and retain enough workers to meet demand from Australia’s ageing population.
The 19 graduating students have gained practical experience through a combination of classroom learning and work placements.
Those completing Individual Support have trained in areas including personal care, mobility, supporting independence and social and emotional wellbeing, as well as working with families and carers and navigating the NDIS.
Students completing Certificate III in Health Services Assistance have trained in areas including medical terminology, infection prevention, healthy body systems and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
For students such as Elizabeth, the vocational pathway offers a way to enter the health and aged care workforce early, while continuing towards further qualifications.
And in her case, it also continues a family tradition that began with caring for her grandmother.
