Emma Mayne of Gosford has recently graduated with a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and is encouraging others to consider a career in the industry to meet the increasing demand for wildlife rehabilitation carers.
After completing her certification at Gosford TAFE, Mayne has secured employment at ARH Vets as an animal attendant where she cares for animals in emergencies.
“TAFE NSW has taught me so many practical skills and vastly improved my knowledge,” she said.
“The learning and mentoring that the wonderful teachers provide is second-to-none.
“Their relevant, practical experience and strong industry connections, together with my qualification, have enabled me to progress in my career.
“We see all sorts of animals come through emergency including pets and native wildlife.
“Just recently I’ve helped to treat kangaroos, tawny frogmouths, echidnas and kookaburras.
“The passionate teachers at TAFE NSW prepared me for being on the job because they all have a long history of industry experience.”
A TAFE spokesperson said newly-released statistics have revealed the number of animals needing care due to car collisions and recent natural weather events has surged.
“This comes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic with more cars on the road within NSW and after bushfires and floods,” the spokesperson said.
“According to NSW Wildlife Rehabilitation data, in 2014 there were 3,157 animal rescues in Gosford; this number has increased year on year and in 2020, 6,127 animals were rescued, at an increase of 94 per cent.”
TAFE NSW Animal Services teacher Emma Whitlock said students were getting hands-on exposure to caring for wildlife.
“It is important that students learn the fundamentals of caring for animals in real situations,” she said.
“Upon graduation, TAFE NSW students are job-ready and fully equipped to walk into any animal institution to put into practice what they have learnt.”
For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.
Source:
Media release, Feb 7
TAFE NSW