Ms Pop-Banks has been taking part in TAFE's Skills for Education and Employment [SEE] program, which is tailored for job seekers and young people who are uncertain of what they should do or study. 

Ms Pop-Banks’s Mother, Vicky, had already reaped the benefits of the SEE program at TAFE NSW Mudgee and encouraged her daughter to follow the same path.

Thanks to work experience through local business Kylie Mealing Hairdressing in Mudgee and with some help from TAFE NSW staff, Ms Pop-Banks was able to complete the program.

TAFE NSW Mudgee head teacher foundation skills Berni Aquilina said when Ms Pop-Banks started work experience, Kylie made it clear that she would not be able to offer her an apprenticeship.

“Dana proved herself by showing initiative and within a few months was signing her apprenticeship papers,” she said.

Kylie said Ms Pop-Banks ticked all the boxes from the beginning and was the perfect fit personality-wise for the business.

“Dana is a great asset to Kylie Mealing Hairdressing and I am now investing in training her in beauty therapy at TAFE NSW to offer more services and broaden her skills,” she said.

Ms Pop-Banks said working in hairdressing has given her confidence and it is a social and fun environment.

“I really enjoyed being able to study with my mum, TAFE NSW provides a friendly environment which allows you to learn and mix with people of different ages,” she said.

Vicky is now considering enrolling in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) as well.

The Skills for Education and Employment program helps eligible job-seekers improve their education and employment skills to participate more effectively in training or the workforce.

The program is delivered to students across Australia and caters for job seeker groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, youth, people with disabilities, mature aged people, and job seekers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.