Jade Howey-Grando outside Blacktown TAFE
A SINGLE mum in Blacktown is close to achieving her dream career, despite a new study that says nine out of 10 young residents in western Sydney will fail.
Thanks to a TAFE college course, Jade Howey-Grando, 26, will become an accountant in June next year.
A recent Western Sydney Institute of TAFE study says 92 per cent of residents don’t end up in their childhood dream career, with 20 per cent not even attempting it.
Ms Howey-Grando said she left school at 18 to have her son who is now eight.
‘‘I worked for about two years before I started an accountancy course at Blacktown TAFE,’’ she said.
‘‘I chose the course because I am good in maths and love the subject.
‘‘I’ve wanted to be an accountant since I was 10 and would have gone to the university to do the subject if not for having to leave school to deliver Trey.
‘‘TAFE has given me a second chance to achieve my dream career.’’
Ms Howey-Grando recently completed four months’ work experience with the Australian Tax Office at Parramatta that included helping residents complete their tax returns at Quakers Hill.
Craig McCallum, a spokesman from TAFE WSI, said there were more career and training options open to everyone than ever before.
‘‘While most won’t make it as a superhero or ballerina, people need to keep their ambition going and take the right paths to make their career dreams come true,” he said.
For more information on the courses available at TAFE WSI visit http://wsi.tafensw.edu.au.