Free professional development offers opportunities for career advancement 

Tanya Claxton doesn't hesitate to encourage her colleagues to pursue ongoing education and training.   

The executive assistant at Sydney Research was among the 65 District employees who recently graduated with a Certificate IV or Diploma qualification from Sydney Education.  

Sydney Education is part of the District's investment in continuing education for all staff, to support career development through skills for today and inspiration for tomorrow. 

With almost 20 years of education delivery and over 200 courses, the service aims to expand professional development opportunities and offers a range of short courses, programs and qualifications to clinical and non-clinical staff across the year.   

"I was excited by the opportunity to learn and better my skills to ensure I could come to work every day and be the best I could be to contribute to my team and NSW Health," she said.  

Lesley Innes, Director of Sydney Education, said being a delivery site of the NSW Health Registered Training Organisation was important.  

“It gives us the opportunity to offer qualifications to staff to help them both start their career in the District as well as advancing and progressing their careers with us,” she said. 

“We love hosting graduations where we can celebrate the hard work of both the students and the educators who work with them.” 

To advance her career, Tanya previously completed a Certificate III Health Administration and Certificate IV Business with Sydney Education.  

Courses are free for all District staff, with training sessions running during business hours.  

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in these courses which were fully funded by NSW Health," she said.   

"I have developed new skills that I have transferred into my role which has contributed not only to my team, but to my professional development."  

She credited her educators for providing a supportive teaching environment by offering additional coaching sessions, reading materials, constructive assessment feedback, and a safe space for students to express themselves.   

A keen advocate for ongoing education, Tanya encourages colleagues to take up similar opportunities.  

"As adults, we continue to learn each day no matter who we are or which job we do and taking time out of the office and being surrounded by like-minded people is the best environment to get an education," she said.  

"Education is the key if you want to grow your career."