It’s National Careers Week (12-18 May), and New England locals have been urged to look to TAFE NSW to “supercharge” their career options, just like one local mum who switched to plumbing in her thirties.
One of many locals to turn to TAFE NSW to advance their careers is Armidale mum-of-one Tori Smith, who has made a dramatic career pivot from floristry to plumbing.
Ms Smith, 33, said a chance opportunity while she was working part-time as a labourer led her to pursuing a career in plumbing, a decision which saw her this month launch her own business – VS Plumbing.
“I was doing some labouring at the hospital and my boss asked me to help rough in a bathroom,” Ms Smith said.
“I fell in love with it instantly and ended up roughing in 10 back-to-back bathrooms that day.”
She quickly secured an apprenticeship, undertaking a Certificate III in Plumbing and Certificate IV in Plumbing Operations at TAFE NSW Tamworth.
She said despite disruptions to her study, including giving birth to her son while she was enrolled in the Certificate IV, she knew she had found her calling.
“The personal support I got from my TAFE NSW teachers was amazing,” she said. “I’m dyslexic so got one-on-one learning support for maths and reading, and they gave me so much consideration while I was pregnant and after my son was born.”
Only 1 per cent of plumbers nationally are female.
TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read said a rapidly changing jobs market meant it was critical locals continue to invest in new skills.
“The jobs market is going through a fundamental change, shaped by factors like technology, globalisation, and changing demographics,” Ms Read said.
“That means there’s never been a more important time to consider upskilling or reskilling to future-proof your career.”
following a new report revealing more than a third of workers are considering changing jobs this year.
A survey by global employment company, Indeed, predicted 5.5 million Australians – more than a third of the nation’s workforce – were actively considering a job change this year.
And, according to the global 2025 Future of Jobs Survey, 70 per cent of employers are expecting to hire staff with new skills over the next five years.
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said National Careers Week was a reminder of the diverse and rewarding career pathways vocational education and training can unlock.
“Vocational education and training opens the door to meaningful, hands-on careers in industries that are growing and evolving,” Mr Whan said.
“TAFE NSW plays a vital role in preparing students with the real-world skills and experience they need to thrive — whether they’re starting out, changing direction, or advancing their career.
“National Careers Week is a great opportunity to shine a light on the many fulfilling careers a TAFE NSW qualification can lead to.”
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