For Ronelle Sheehan, her journey as an educator has come full circle.

Based in Townsville, Ronelle has spent the past decade teaching at TAFE Queensland’s Pimlico campus, supporting students as they begin careers in healthcare. But her commitment to lifelong learning recently saw her step back into the classroom as a student, completing a Diploma of Nursing.

This presented Ronelle with a rare opportunity to fully assess the training system as an experienced teacher stepping into the shoes of a student, an opportunity she is relishing to better the system.

“Being back on the student side of the table has given me a whole new perspective,” Ronelle said.

“It’s given me a chance to reflect on my own practice and remember what it feels like to be assessed, challenged and pushed beyond my comfort zone.

“Investing in my learning elevated my teaching.”

Ronelle’s transition from teacher to student, and back again, has given her valuable insight into the realities faced by today’s learners, from balancing study with personal commitments to navigating complex course material.

This renewed perspective has strengthened her ability to connect with students and tailored her teaching to better support their success.

Ronelle continues to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of skilled healthcare professionals, while proving it’s never too late to follow your passion.

“Teaching in VET provides us with a fantastic opportunity to bring our industry experience and skills together and inspire and shape our future workforce,” she said.

National Skills Week 2026 celebrates the impacts VET can have with its theme Life Changing honing in on the way that individuals, communities, industries and systems can be changed through the power of VET.

https://worldskills.org/what/competitions/worldskills-shanghai-2026/