TAFE course supports business owner Sarah Corrigan

Darkinjung woman Sarah Corrigan completed five TAFE courses in Newcastle to start her career and launch her own successful business in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care.

Sarah, who lives and works on Awabakal Country in Newcastle said that she thinks it’s the best study-work decision she’s made.

‘I loved studying at TAFE,’ said Sarah. ‘The study is flexible, both face-to-face and online courses are available, and prior learning and experience is recognised, which can cut down on the time it takes to gain a qualification.’

‘Mst Certificate IV courses take around 12 months full-time but when you’re building on previous studies along a similar career path, or where you already have relevant skill sets, the time to complete studies can be shorter.’

‘This is great for mob, particularly mothers and other people with family, community and cultural responsibilities. And it’s so good not to have the financial burden of a HECS/HELP debt when you finish your course,’ Sarah said.

Sarah completed a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, which allowed her to register as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Authority (AHPRA). She also has Certificate IV qualifications in Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and in Allied Health Assistance, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health.

‘Right after completing my first TAFE course, which was in Allied Health Assistance, I was able to work in the areas that interested me and use the skills and knowledge I gained through TAFE study,’ said Sarah.

‘Then one by one I built on this foundation through other courses and work experience.’

‘I’ve used my knowledge and skills, plus the experience I gained in health jobs along the way, to set up and run my own business in First Nations mental health and psychosocial NDIS services,’ said Sarah.

‘I saw gaps in what was available to people for mental health and realised I had the ability and qualifications to provide much needed specialised services. It’s about mob supporting mob and a black way of doing things.’

‘I really wanted to help bring about intergenerational change and TAFE gave me the opportunity to pursue that, to work independently, flexibly and clinically.’

Sarah’s services focus on social and emotional wellbeing and mental health, supported though the NDIS and Medicare, as well as cultural consultancy across the board, from health to education.

‘My approach is through a person-centred framework aimed at social and emotional wellbeing.’

‘The demand for my services is solid,’ said Sarah.

‘I now have four casual employees and some of them are considering fee-free TAFE courses, which is fantastic.’