FORGING A NEW PATH

Life has changed dramatically for Tom Spratt since he nearly died in a road accident at the age of 18.

Now 22, he has just completed a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance at TAFE NSW Castle Hill and starts a Bachelor of Health Science Therapeutic Recreation at Western Sydney University in March.

His aim is to work as an occupational therapist. Tom was driving up to Newcastle to see his dad in 2016 when in the early hours of the morning he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his car on the M1.

He managed to get himself out of the wreckage and was waiting for his dad to pick him up at the side of the motorway when he was hit by a passing vehicle.

He suffered significant brain injuries and was in rehabilitation for eight months.

Tom says he was still trying to find his way in life before the accident but life has changed for the good.

His key message now is “don’t let things get in the way of following your dreams”.

He found his calling during the long rehabilitation process and numerous appointments with his occupational therapist.

“Living with a brain injury is my reality and adjusting to life again and learning to walk was made easier through the help I received, which is why I’d like to be that support for others in my position,” said Tom.

As part of his TAFE NSW course, Tom gained practical recreational therapy experience at Castle Hill Anglicare by working with their clients. He is currently employed as a therapist aid with Royal Rehab in Ryde.

TAFE NSW Head of Health, Well-being & Community Services, Anne Goonetilleke, said the Allied Health courses provide students with practical skills needed in the industry.

“TAFE NSW maintains strong industry connections so that students get the hands-on experience they need to pursue occupations in the health sector that are changing the lives of people like Tom each day,” Ms Goonetilleke said.

“Tom is proof that TAFE NSW students can be whatever they want to be.”

Tom’s occupational therapist Belinda Carr encouraged him to pursue the career and has been his inspiration throughout the TAFE NSW course.

“He was resilient throughout his whole journey to recovery and will bring a wealth of experience to the job because Tom has something in common with his clients and that is empathy and shared experience,” she said.

*The Health and Wellbeing industry is forecast to have the highest growth in employment in Western Sydney in the next two years, growing to a workforce of 23,558.[2]

To enrol or enquire about the Allied Health courses on offer at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.