Media releases

Federation TAFE will establish a new pipeline of health workers for regional areas by offering a Diploma of Nursing traineeship program in 2023 and securing five-year accreditation for its revised Diploma of Nursing qualification from the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC).

The traineeship program will be delivered in partnership with Grampians Health at Ballarat and Horsham locations and was developed in response to ongoing nursing shortages, particularly affecting regional areas. It is hoped the traineeship program will support local community growth and give trainees the best possible chance of walking into an in-demand job.

Federation TAFE was the first education provider in Victoria to receive a five-year ANMAC accreditation for the new Diploma of Nursing qualification (HLT54121), ensuring that students enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing will be trained to the highest possible standard, leading to registration and future employment as an Enrolled Nurse.

Federation TAFE’s revised Diploma of Nursing qualification is the result of changes to the national HLT Health Training Package announced by the federal Government in late 2020 to ensure the latest industry practices and terminology are reflected in course offerings, and to ensure students develop the relevant and effective skills employers require.

With most Diploma of Nursing courses only delivered in-person, the new Federation TAFE Diploma of Nursing will also be a unique blend of face-to-face and online learning, giving Federation TAFE students the greatest flexibility in their studies.

The challenging accreditation resubmission process involved vast staff, industry, and student consultation and was led by Federation TAFE Head of Centre, Health and Community Services, Helen Ryan-McDermott who was supported by a team of Federation TAFE nursing teaching and other staff.

Federation TAFE will begin teaching the course at its Ballarat and Horsham campuses from 2023, and in Ararat through East Grampians Health Service.

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE Head of Centre, Health and Community Services, Helen Ryan-McDermott:

“Federation TAFE is committed to providing the highest quality of Enrolled Nurse education. I am very proud of the Federation TAFE team in working together to achieve this outcome.

“The traineeship model between Federation TAFE and Grampians Health is an Australian first and very exciting. The traineeships will address critical nursing shortages and support Grampians Health facilities in Ballarat and the Wimmera in a ‘grow your own workforce’ model. The partnership is a great example of education and industry working together.”

Quote attributable to Federation University Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive TAFE, Mr Liam Sloan:

“Receiving five-year accreditation from ANMAC for the Diploma of Nursing program is an endorsement of the quality of our nursing course at Federation TAFE. Congratulations and well done to all in the program team to secure this important registration.”