You might be surprised to learn that it’s not just school leavers who chose to enrol in a course at South Regional TAFE. Each semester, we are joined by those brave students who after a successful career are now taking the very first step towards a different and exciting new path.
If you have ever considered changing jobs, you might take inspiration from these students who turned to a course at TAFE into their dream career and more.
It is never too late to follow your passion, as these past and present students have discovered.
Evan Smith
Bunbury Campus
Audio Technician > Horticulture
With a baby on the way, Evan was seeking a career with a better work life balance that would allow him to support his growing family
He commenced the Certificate II in Horticulture noting that “I have always been interested in horticultural things, in my house, backyard and indoor plants but I decided to have a bit of a career change so studying the Certificate II is the first stop”.
Evan is continuing on to study the Certificate III in horticulture where hopes deepen his scientific plant knowledge with a long-term goal of “applying for jobs with a local council particularly lawn services or parks and gardens.”
Elodie Guichard
Albany campus
Marketing > Community Services
Elodie traded a career in marketing in Reunion Island for community services in regional Western Australia.
While she enjoyed her marketing career, she felt that it no longer aligned with her values. The role offered insight into human behaviour, but it left her wanting something more meaningful and purpose‑driven.
What she values most about her new career in community services is empowerment: helping people participate fully in society and encouraging them to move beyond the limitations they may place on themselves.
Ingrid Fuhrmann
Albany campus
Exercise Physiology > Information Technology
After almost 20 years working as an exercise physiologist in rehabilitation and fitness, Ingrid Fuhrmann felt it was time for a change and commenced the Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking).
“I just wanted to do something different, I always had some interest in computers and wanted to challenge my brain, learn something completely new.” She said.
Ingrid secured a job in Technical Support through a work placement she completed during her TAFE studies. The role involves more than just fixing computers. “It’s not only technical stuff,” she says. “You need to know how to deal with people. A lot of the time, a major part of the job is understanding what’s going wrong and talking to stakeholders.”
Tash Whitelam
Narrogin campus
Military > Nursing
A high-flying military career only strengthened Tash’s desire to make a meaningful contribution, which led her to study the Diploma of Nursing at South Regional TAFE’s Narrogin campus.
Undertaking placements across Narrogin, Katanning, Lake Grace and Osborne Park, exposed her to a wide variety of clinical environments, and ultimately secured her a job at Albany Hospital.
When asked what she enjoys most about being a nurse, her answer is simple: “Knowing that what I’m doing matters and that I’m doing something beneficial for my community.”
Belinda Bartlett
Margaret River campus
Teaching > Aged Care
At 58 years of age, Belinda has had a diverse career working in mining, horse racing, aboriginal education, as a TAFE lecturer, university lecturer and a maths teacher.
Needing a change from teaching, she studied the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) where she found her skills supporting young people were transferable to the older age group.
“I am enjoying providing one-to-one care, listening to stories about their life, and it makes me happy to help older people, whether it is in a residential care facility or providing the support to remain at home.”
Reflecting on her nurturing soul, Belinda was driven by a desire to contribute and give back to her community. She currently works for the South West Aboriginal Medical Service where she also has the opportunity to travel around the region, an aspect of the role that she finds rejuvenating.
Her advice for others considering a career change is “go with what aligns with your own passion. If you are already doing something you like and appreciate it is half the battle.”
Belinda was recognised as a high achieving student at the South Regional TAFE 2025 Student Awards with a Certificate of Excellence.
Adele Litt
Margaret River campus/online
Retail and Administration > Graphic Design
After not having the opportunity to complete her year 12 schooling, at 34 years of age Adele took the opportunity to study the Diploma of Graphic Design to prove to herself and her kids that she could commit and achieve her goals.
A single mum, Adele a needed studies that offered flexibility and support to make a career change work for her. “South Regional TAFE has been nothing short of outstanding in their ongoing support. Their understanding for flexibility and continuing encouragement that I can do this has helped me immensely in my studies."
Adele excelled in her studies winning the re-act road safety graphic design campaign challenge in 2026. She now hopes to complete further study in Work Health and Safety.