Two years ago Mr Lovatt made the life-changing decision to quit his job and study nursing full time at the University of Wollongong's Bega campus. 

Becoming a nurse was something Mr Lovatt almost did in his 20s, but instead took up full-time employment and ended up working in telecommunications for eight years and banking for 18 years. 

Mr Lovatt said he always thought he would work in health care in some capacity, but that life just seemed to get in the way, until now.  

"It was definitely tough financially, to go from earning a good salary as a banker and now on Youth Allowance, it was tough," he said. 

With males only making up 10 per cent of nurses in Australia, Mr Lovatt will be looking to break into the traditionally female-dominated industry, but he isn't worried.  

"I had some apprehension at first, especially given my age, but everyone has been really encouraging and helpful and I am not even the oldest in my class," he said. 

When he graduates, Mr Lovatt hopes to get a graduate nursing position at Bega District Hospital and then one day to become a flight medic. 

"I am just focusing on getting through this year and then getting as much experience as possible.

"I would love to be a flight medic, but first I would need to specialise in critical care and midwifery, it's a long way off - I want experience first. 

"I am just really glad that I did it. 

“One thing I have learnt is that it is never too late to go out and do something...it's never too late to follow your dream," he said.