Alea’s career powered by scholarship

At 34, she balances caring for her children, including a son with disabilities, while pursuing her passion for nursing.

"Seeing the world through my son's eyes inspired me to explore disability support, but nursing is my true calling,” said Alea.  

"Being a nurse is more than a job; it's a path to a stable future for my family."

Her determination earned her a TAFE Queensland Scholarship to study a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at the Southport campus.

"This diploma opens doors to work in hospitals, aged care, or community health," she said.

"The scholarship has been crucial, covering course fees and supporting my family during placements when I need to take time off work," Alea added

With previous qualifications in Individual Support and Allied Health Assistance from TAFE Queensland, Alea values the nurturing learning community.

“TAFE Queensland is a very supportive and inclusive, the teachers are very approachable and willing to do whatever it takes to assist with the learning process,” she said.

“I have also made some lifelong friends.”

Set to graduate mid-2025, Alea plans to work as an Enrolled Nurse while continuing her studies at TAFE Queensland with a Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse.

The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program awards each recipient $5,000 to study any certificate III through to an advanced diploma or bachelor degree from over 60 campuses locations across Queensland or online.

There are two types of scholarships available, one being Merit scholarships aimed at supporting people who have demonstrated strong levels of achievement to advance their careers. The second are Access and Equity scholarships which are designed to help students who are battling social or financial hardship.

TAFE Queensland scholarships are open for applications until 30 September 2024 - giving 100 Australians the opportunity to create a better future through vocational education and training.