With the help of Settlement Services International, Community Hubs and TAFE NSW Nirimba, 15 migrant women have built a welcoming, diverse and bustling community in the heart of Western Sydney.

Located at Colyton Public School, the hub sees the group of women spend one day a week studying a Certificate III in Community Services. The course is teaching them the skills required to pursue a career in the community services industry and building their confidence to engage with the local community.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Community Services, Jenny Ellis said, “Recent research release by the Grattan Institute indicated that individuals who hold a vocational qualification from society and culture courses, like the Certificate III in Community Services, found relevant work at higher rates than bachelor graduates.[1]

“By delivering the course in a familiar space, the group are learning skills like how to work with diverse groups of people, respond to a clients’ needs, follow safe work practices, and how they can be applied directly to the community they are currently engaging with.”

Arshi, who was born in Pakistan and moved to Australia from Malaysia in June 2018, is just one of the incredible women studying the Certificate III in Community Services at the Colyton Public School Hub.

“Back in Pakistan I studied my masters in electronics and then migrated to Malaysia where I volunteered at a local high school. My husband and I wanted to come to Australia to give our three boys a better future and moved here last year.

“When I first arrived I didn’t have any friends or family in Australia, so I joined the Colyton Public School Community Hub which is where I found out about studying the Certificate III in Community Services at TAFE NSW.”

Arshi had always been an advocate for people who are unable to communicate for themselves and knew that the course would help her develop the skills to explore a career where she could help support those who need it.

“The group discussions and volunteer work on community projects are my favourite parts of the course. The TAFE NSW teachers are great at getting everyone involved and I have learnt a lot about the different cultures in the group and local community during the course.” said Arshi.

Colyton Public School Community Hub Leader, Lisa Gobo said, “The TAFE NSW course has been wonderful for the group as they’ve been able to put what they’re learning into practice through our Community Hub events and activities. It’s also given many of them a new found confidence and has helped form some wonderful friendships.”

Excited to complete her course, Arshi said, “I’ve always loved helping people and I can’t wait to start doing it as my career.”

To find out more about studying Community Services at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0412 478 415.