Macquarie Community College is pleased to announce the launch of its SKILLS4You program, specially designed to train and support migrant women seeking careers in the care sector.
SKILLS4You is tailored to increase opportunities for migrant women to gain skills for life and work in Australia, increasing their participation in employment pathways and connecting them with others in their local communities.
The establishment of SKILLS4You aligns with the College’s ongoing commitment to creating and providing learning opportunities that create social impact. The launch comes at an extremely crucial time as the care sector continues to battle critical labour shortages across Aged Care, Disability Care, and Child Care.
A Vital Program for the Community
Macquarie Community College CEO Theresa Collignon said she is proud to be launching a program that is so vital to groups across the Western Sydney community.
“Macquarie Community College has always set the standard for quality adult community education. We are committed to ensuring that all our participants feel welcome, respected and supported along their learning pathways. As we say at the College – we welcome all who want to climb the ladder of learning – and they can start from any rung.”
The SKILLS4You program involves increasing participant’s English language and literacy skills, including language for the world of work in caring careers, understanding their level of employment readiness for local workplaces, setting specific employment-related goals and working towards achieving them.
Olga's Story
Olga Terfezine, a Sudan-born, Italian-Ethiopian mother of four successfully completed her qualifications in Aged Care and Disability Care at a Certificate III level at Macquarie Community College. Only after years of false starts and putting her dreams on the backburner thanks to an inability to find a suitable education pathway like SKILLS4You.
“For me, the course at Macquarie Community College was the absolute best available for someone with my experience and general industry understanding. I was able to complete it at a pace that suited me and I have been lucky enough to gain a job through an aged care work placement that was organised by the College.”
“Thanks to the program I undertook, I’m now working in the disability sector with children aged 6-10 with Autism. It’s extremely rewarding, and I love what I do,” Ms Terfezine said.
Empowering Migrant Women
SydwestCEO, Elfa Moraitakis said SydWest and Macquarie Community College had a long history working together to empower migrant women and meet community needs.The College have been a trusted part of this community for decades.
“We are always looking for great staff to work in our services. It is great to think that our clients from a Culturally & Linguistically Diverse background in our aged care and home care services will be able to be cared for by bi-cultural & bilingual staff. When both clients and staff have lived experiences as migrants and understand the cultural nuances in care, there is a unique and special bond that can result.”
Macquarie Community College Director, Sue Advani said supporting migrant women has been one of her life-time commitments and the reason she became involved with the College.
“I encourage community networks and local agencies to get in touch with Macquarie Community College about this program. Participation in SKILLS4You could really make a difference and help migrant women find suitable employment in key growth areas.”
Find Out More
Macquarie Community College is under contract with the NSW State Government as a Smart and Skilled and Adult Community Education (ACE) provider, meaning the program is fee-free for eligible students. The College was also recently recognised by the NSW Department of Education as a High Performing Provider for Smart & Skilled.
Information sessions for potential applicants are being held on Wednesday 2 and 9 March, with the first official class set to take place on Tuesday 22 March. The information sessions will explore program requirements, employment outcomes and potential future pathways.
Speak to us about whether SKILLS4You would be suitable for you or your clients. Call 1300 845 888 and ask for Sandra McKinney or email sandra.mckinney@macquarie.nsw.edu.au
Download the SKILLS4You brochure
*Eligibility criteria apply.