NV COLLEGE, having had its 2022-23 contract with the NSW Government approved, is celebrating its achievements gaining great benchmarking results across the Mid North Coast.

In congratulating her team, NV College General Manager Karen Busby said the confirmation of the college’s agreement with the NSW Government Smart and Skilled program meant the pre-employment and upskilling opportunities would continue for residents in the region.

“NV College started in 2013 to help support NVC Group’s vision to provide quality and compassionate care to the elderly residents in our valleys,” she said.

“The college has grown over the years and now it is the aged-care specialist in training, plus a provider of great hospitality and food, home and community care and first aid training courses.

“Having our contract with the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program renewed means we are able to continue providing fee-free or low-fee training opportunities to locals, which is really important.

“This enables people to have the chance to up-skill or re-skill and ultimately become the workers to support our region’s large industries, the aged care sector and tourism and hospitality sectors.”

The NSW Department of Education recently released the results of its annual student outcomes survey, providing an important snapshot of what students thought of the college.

Results showed 92 percent of students who trained at the college recently said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of the training.

Leanne Statham, 58, studied a four-week work ready program at NV college in October and November 2020.

She went on to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support in 2021.

Ms Statham is now working as an Assistant in Nursing at Legacy’s aged care facility in Coffs Harbour.

“I was made redundant in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 and so I needed to re-train and enter a new industry to gain employment,” she said.

“Through the suggestion of a friend, I visited Legacy to talk about a potential job in their laundry and by the end of the interview, I ended up being offered a traineeship as a carer instead.

“I studied at NV College in Macksville and found both my managers at work and the college staff to be very supportive and invested in my outcome.

“I enjoy working with elderly residents in Legacy’s nursing home. I love the difference it makes in their lives – and it makes me feel good too.”

Ms Statham has been nominated for the State trainee awards, due to be held in November.

Earlier in May she was interviewed by Training Services NSW representatives as a finalist for these awards.

NV College is currently taking enrolments for several fee free pre-employment programs, including a Traineeship-Introduction to Aged Care and Entry into Disability.

This is a great way to start a career in either aged or disability care.

For more information contact the college on (02) 6568 2100 or training@nvcollege.edu.au.

By Andrea FERRARI