Free TAFE is changing lives

Diana Pasos’ positive outlook pointed her to a career in aged care, which she loves.

There are some people you meet who have a talent for making everyone they talk to feel at ease with their infectious warmth and positivity. Diana Pasos is one of them.

Speaking from her car parked by the beach as wild weather whipped up mountainous waves, her natural optimism shines through.

'I love this weather! I find the change so exciting,' she explains.

She brings the same joy and energy each day to her work in aged care, where her passion and commitment is valued by the residents she cares for. But it’s not all one-sided.

'I love my job,' says Diana.

'I feel like I’ve been doing it all my life!'

And in some ways, she has. At a young age in her home country of Colombia, Diana took care of her elderly great-grandmother, who had advanced Alzheimer’s in the last stages of her life.

While her caring responsibilities at the time meant making sacrifices around her schooling, continuing her education remained important for Diana since moving to Australia 15 years ago.

She decided to study for a Certificate III in Individual Support from The Gordon in Geelong, and she hasn’t looked back.

Through TAFE, Diana found the support, flexibility and experience she needed to pursue her goal of working in aged care.

'TAFE changed my life! I feel like I’ve found myself again.'

'I received a lot of support from my teachers, and the teaching and experience I received was 100% complementary to the work I’m doing now.'

When asked what advice she would give others interested in studying aged care, Diana’s answer is simple:

'You need to love people,' she says.

'Our nannas and pops have lived incredible lives and have so many amazing stories to tell. They deserve the best care possible.'

If you’re like Diana and want a career that helps you give back to the community, TAFE training can give you the skills you need for a job in growing industries where you can make a difference.

The Certificate III in Individual Support is one of more than 80 courses available in Victoria as part of Free TAFE, offering tuition fee-free training across health and community services including nursing, child protection, aged care, mental health, and youth and disability services.

Find out more at: Free TAFE for more Victorians.