Clients of a Maitland disability service took to the kitchen at Hunter TAFE, to learn skills and earn qualifications for life. This 10 week tailor made course, initiated by endeavour group, taught participants all the skills needed to make healthy meals in the kitchen. Students learnt new recipes, ingredient preparation, food hygiene and cooking techniques. This course was designed to give graduates a boost in confidence and independence. All participants gained practical skills to improve their job readiness and received a TAFE certificate that can be used to boost employment opportunities.
Further up the state, North Coast TAFE and Coffs Coast Community College are working with the Woolgoolga Neighbourhood Centre to provide programs that assist locals with improving their skills for work. These workshops will include, building skills for work and business, life skills for women and a Certificate III in IT, Digital Media, Hospitality and Business. These courses were initiated after the completion of an extremely successful Certificate III Conservation and Land Management, through the same partnership. Participants said this partnership gave them the opportunity to complete a course they would have not had the opportunity to do otherwise.
These partnerships are a great example of TAFE's commitment to give back to their local communities to provide people with real life skills.