Kristy Beech, Victoria

Kristy Beech is an example of how adult education can change a person’s life no matter what barriers they have had to overcome. Kristy connected with the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre when she took part in the Become Work Ready program and One Life Many Careers workshop.

A domestic violence survivor and single parent of two children, Kristy’s confidence and self-esteem were boosted during these employment focused programs. As a result, Kristy decided that she wanted a career rather than a job and that she would need to undertake more education to reach her goal of working in a field that would make a difference to people’s lives.

Now studying for a Diploma of Nursing with Federation University, Kristy has achieved competency in first aid, workplace health and safety and infection control. When she finishes this two year course, she would like to gain work experience in the industry before going on to undertake her Bachelor of Nursing.

With an Adult Learners Week scholarship, Kristy would be able to buy rather than borrow vital text books and not have to take on extra shifts at work to cover rental and other expenses for her and her family.