Catering for career change

Andrew Kaminski worked for Boeing in the aircraft manufacturing industry for 24 years, before being made redundant. It was then that he decided it was time for a career change. Andrew was inspired to give back to the local community and follow in his daughter’s footsteps to become a paramedic. 

"The best thing about VU is the teaching staff. The professionalism the teachers have shown throughout my course has been amazing to witness. They are constantly encouraging and guiding students, and address every question – no matter how trivial it may seem. Their actions are a true reflection of the dedication VU has towards new students.

Studying at VU has also given me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some are around my age and others are quite young – but to being able to interact with new people has been fantastic.

I worked as a tradesman for 19 years before moving into a management position at Boeing for five years. When I was made redundant I felt like I was standing at the crossroads of my life. I decided to make a career change – and opting to become a paramedic was easy because I saw the passion my daughter felt every time she put on her uniform to start her shift with Ambulance Victoria. I saw how much of a difference she made to the community and I knew that that’s what I wanted to do with the second chapter of my life.

When I complete my studies I aim to start work within the emergency patient transport industry as an Ambulance Transport Attendant."

Course studied

Diploma of Paramedical Science HLT51015 (superseded by Diploma of Emergency Health Care HLT51020)