With the New Year bringing in a fresh new start and opportunities, TAFE NSW is highlighting the potential for career changes.

Career changes are not uncommon over the course of the average lifetime with McCrindle Research showing that the average person will have approximately five different career changes and 17 different employers.

Port Macquarie local Thomas Witt is proof that it’s never too late to be in a career you love. He swapped a busy career as a carpenter for a bright future as an electrician by studying a Certificate IV in Electrotechnolgy at TAFE NSW.

“My dad is an electrician and after spending 12 years in carpentry, I decided I needed a change in career direction and chose to explore the family trade,” Thomas says.

“The learning and mentoring that the wonderful teachers at TAFE NSW provide is second-to-none. Their relevant, practical experience has enabled me to start my new career.”

According to research by SEEK, 43% of Australians are currently considering a career change in the next 12 months but will choose not to for reasons such as family priorities or job uncertainty.

“TAFE NSW has been great: it’s a really good mix of the theory and the hands-on, practical side. The job prospects are very strong for those entering the industry and are expected to be even stronger post-COVID,” Thomas adds.

“I am a very visual person; I like working with my hands. It’s really satisfying when you finish a job. After all, you’re literally putting light in people’s lives.”