Free TAFE helps Nisha make a real impact with young people

Before Nisha started his Free TAFE course, he was working in an abattoir.

‘I was covered in chicken guts all day and wondering, is this what the rest of my life will look like?’ he said.

Now, after completing a Certificate IV in Youth Work, Nisha is working with young people and feels like he is making a real difference.

‘I just want to learn as much as I can about the different ways I can advocate for young people,’ he said.

He was inspired to study youth work at Chisholm Institute due to his own lived experience.

‘Throughout my teenage years, I had youth workers. They helped me when I was homeless, they helped me get food tickets, they helped me find short-term accommodation.’

‘They believed in me, even when I didn't. They saw the best in me. I want to be that person for someone else.’

Nisha enjoyed his training experience at TAFE so much that he hopes to go on to complete a Diploma of Community Services at Chisholm in the future.

‘I had a good class. We had each other's backs throughout our course, so if someone was struggling with something, the others would come in and help,’ he said.

‘Everyone was supportive, including the teachers. You could always go to the teachers with questions, and they would help you to the best of their ability.’

His TAFE qualification has led to important youth work across Victoria in residential houses. Nisha has also worked in schools.

Find out how Free TAFE can make your dream job real: www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe