When school finished, Isabel had no plans for the future. Now she has a TasTAFE qualification, a career and her dreams are within reach

TasTAFE Certificate III in Tourism graduate Isabel Parsey with Popcorn, a rescued wombat, at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Image courtesy of Angela Churchill.

TasTAFE graduate Isabel Parsey finished her Certificate III in Tourism earlier this year, studying at Collins Street Campus in Hobart. Now she’s working at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary near Richmond, and her career is taking flight.

Isabel grew up in the small town of Murdunna on the Forestier Peninsula southeast of Hobart. After bushfires ravaged the area in 2013, her family relocated to Richmond, 30 minutes northeast of Hobart.

Isabel changed schools a few times along the way – from Dunalley to Cambridge to Hobart – spending her final 3 years studying at home with the Brisbane School of Remote Education.

“I'm not a very social person, so I had some challenges at school. But the actual schoolwork and my teachers I really enjoyed,” Isabel said.

When school finished, Isabel found herself at a loose end.

“There were so many different jobs that I thought would be cool to do – maybe a trade or working on a farm in agriculture, or truck driving or something like that. I just knew that I wanted to work out outside: I’ve never really liked the idea of sitting behind a desk at a computer all day. I enjoy doing hands-on stuff.”

Isabel got a taste of the tourism industry at the Port Arthur Historic Site on Turrakana/Tasman Peninsula, not far south of where she grew up. A work-experience placement turned into a summer job in the visitor centre and gift shop, selling tickets and answering visitors’ questions.

TasTAFE’s Certificate III in Tourism program seemed like a logical next step towards more regular employment – but Isabel was hesitant about going back into the classroom.

“I was really nervous at the start. There were always issues in my classes at school – I never really had a good class. So going back into that after doing 3 years of online schooling was kind of scary.

“But once I did the first couple of classes, it was perfectly fine. There were no issues and everyone was really nice. And I became friends with a lot of people that I'm still in contact with now,” Isabel said.

Isabel’s main teacher at TasTAFE was Sue Leake. Sue was impressed with Isabel’s organisation, focus, engagement and growing people skills.

“We take our learners out to industry networking functions – a vital part of their familiarisation of the industry, building those professional connections that are so valuable. Isabel happily conversed with a range of industry players and engaged with them in a really friendly, approachable way that was a delight to watch,” Sue said.

“The Certificate III in Tourism introduces learners to the core principles of the industry, and most importantly, where and how to continue to develop their skills and knowledge. Isabel was able to see the potential to extend herself and consolidate her learning – which she has done to great effect.

“With her enthusiasm, desire to learn, enquiring mind and excellent people skills, Isabel has been able to gain the maximum benefit from the learning opportunities TasTAFE offers.”

After completing her Certificate III, Isabel secured her job at Bonorong very quickly – applying, interviewing and being offered the position in little more than a week.

“Having the Certificate III definitely helped me get the job. And now that I’ve started work, when visitors ask me questions, a lot of the stuff that I learned at TasTAFE comes back and I know how to speak with them,” Isabel said.

“I'm in the Business and Guest Services team: I run errands into town, I help them in the gift shop, I order stock and do stocktake, I manage our first-aid supplies, I grab medications for the animals, I organise the storage areas… I also design their signs and posters for promotions. So, I’m not stuck behind a desk all day!

“Working at Bonorong is a good balance between personal and working life, and the steady income does help with saving for future plans.

“I would like to travel – driving around Australia, living off the road. After that I’d like to start a small farm and do wildlife rehab. It's a pretty big dream!” Isabel said.

From having no plans for her future, Isabel has grown in confidence and is now on a career pathway with a “big dream” firmly in her sights.

“Before I started TasTAFE, I had no idea what I wanted to do. But now I'm in a job that I love, and I have a qualification and a plan for the future. TasTAFE really helped.”