Blog

We welcome 2023 with much excitement as we return to some kind of norm. There is something about starting a new year that encourages us to pause and reflect on how we can improve ourselves. Most of us will make that annual new year's resolution. Whether it's "exercise more", "change careers", and "learn new things", here are some tips on how to keep those plans in place and follow through your resolutions for 2023.

Despite experiencing significant barriers to study and enter the workforce, Sue Bryant's team of Child Care Trainers continue to deliver outstanding results from their students. “Nine out of ten students from the most recent graduating class were offered employment, with over 50 percent establishing themselves in full or part time work before they’d even finished the course”, notes Sue. Macquarie Community College have developed a new program called SKILLS4You to further bridge the gap and support learners through a holistic program. Each individual is assessed and a tailored plan developed based on their current learning and employment readiness.

“I tell my students that looking after a person who’s in their last stage of life is one of the most important jobs in the world,” says Heather, Community Services Lead Trainer at Macquarie Community College. “Some of these people have fought for Australia, and all of them have helped build and contribute to this country. It’s very satisfying to make a difference in their lives.”   Heather’s no-nonsense style, her directness in communicating, makes her a popular trainer of Aged or Disability Care courses. Without mincing words, she gives her students a complete picture of their client’s needs and that there are more than just physical and technical aspects to caring. 

“Find something that gives you hope for the future, then find people who will sit with you, guide you, and help you. We need help in the right way. I found this at Macquarie Community College, and it made all the difference.” The answer to improving everything in a new country, Ayana has found, is study. Correction: the right kind of study. Ayana was even offered a job during her work placement – before she graduated! Nowadays, Ayana is a successful worker in the Aged Care industry who enjoys heart-warming interactions with clients every day. However, Aged Care is a different industry from the one Ayana thought she’d be working in when she first migrated to Australia from Ethiopia.

“I want migrant women to know that they should not stop going after their dreams,” says Olga. Her career in Aged Care fits perfectly with her personal interests and love for people, and her flexible work hours fit neatly with her responsibilities to her family of five. Added to this, both work and training have introduced her to people from diverse cultures, giving her lifelong friends and a supportive community. SKILLS4You, a new program launched last month by Macquarie Community College, offers a program designed for migrant women wanting to work in aged care, disability care and child care.

Facing many disadvantages, Noura was able to find a new path to empowerment and employment through Macquarie Community College. Noura is now in high demand as a care worker, with several employers offering her work. SKILLS4You is a new program for migrant women to help people like Noura get into careers in Aged Care, Disability Care and Child Care - industries in high demand of workers. This new fee-free program for eligible students provides wrap around support services combined with formal training in English language, job readiness and formal qualification training.

The recent results from the 2021 National Student Outcomes Survey, show great employment outcomes and satisfaction reported by graduates of Macquarie Community College, especially during a year of constant disruption and adaptation due to COVID. Our students have received training that was of benefit to their employment and have overwhelmingly felt supported and satisfied as they transitioned to online learning.

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.

Congratulations to Natalie who recently won Community Advocate of the Year at the Blacktown City Council's International Day of People with Disability Awards. Natalie, who is profoundly deaf, continues to inspire her clients after graduating from MCC with a CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support specialising in Ageing and Disability.

Amber's journey to realising her calling started when her friend with cerebral palsy complimented her empathic approach to personal care. Through Macquarie Community College, she studied an Individual Support course and was offered a job during her work placement. Now, she works for three disability clients, and has ambitions to strike out on her own as a Disability Provider. “They’re kind, they want you to succeed, and they always show you pathways to further your career,” says Amber who was able to enrol in her course fee-free under the Smart & Skilled and JobTrainer initiatives.