Student Spotlight: Jo and Ellie Grant

Learning is a journey, but for one Wangaratta family, it became a shared experience.

At GOTAFE, flexible training pathways are opening doors for students from all walks of life. They have even allowed a mother and daughter to step into the health care industry side by side.

From the classroom to real-world healthcare settings, GOTAFE’s nursing programs prepare students with the skills and confidence to step into the industry supported every step of the way.

For Ellie and Jo, that journey was made even more meaningful by learning together. While they initially kept their mother–daughter relationship quiet, it didn’t take long for their connection to shine through.

Their teacher, Caragh, speaks highly of them.

“It was lovely to meet them both. They joined the class together but kept it to themselves at first that they were mother and daughter. Once I realized this, there were times that I had to remember I couldn’t go to Jo to talk about her daughter to try and get her work in (all laughing). I had to remember that I had to stay professional. But they are both lovely, lovely, students and beautiful women and it was great working with them.”

The experience not only prepared them for their careers but also strengthened their bond.

“It’s brought us closer,” they shared. “Now we have conversations around the table and other people tell us to stop,” they laughed.

“There are definitely conversations that nurses have that you can’t have with anyone else, and we love that.”

Both credit their success to the support they received throughout their studies.

“The teachers were all supportive, they really want you to succeed,” they said. “They went out of their way to help us, giving extra time and support whenever we needed it.”

Now working in the field and continuing to grow their skills, they say choosing to study at GOTAFE was an easy recommendation.

“Definitely—without hesitation. It’s been a really good experience.”