With employment opportunities in the community services and childcare industry expected to increase by 18% over the next five yearsi, there is no better time for Dubbo job seekers to consider a rewarding career caring for communities in the Orana region.

TAFE NSW and Dubbo Senior College student, Lilli-Rae Campbell is taking advantage of new employment opportunities in the community services and childcare industry. Lilli-Rae has recently completed a Certificate II in Community Services at TAFE NSW and has gained employment with the After School and Vacation Care Program at the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Inc. trading as Connecting Community Services.

“Ideally, I would like to eventually join the NSW Police Force and when there was the option to study community services at TAFE NSW in Year 10, 11 and 12, it seemed like the perfect way to gain hands-on skills and experience to pursue my career ambitions,” Ms Campbell said.

“I really enjoy studying at TAFE NSW and learning how to work with people from children to adults. The TAFE NSW teachers have a strong knowledge of and connections to organisations within the industry and I wouldn’t be working in the industry today if it wasn’t for their assistance.

“I’m looking forward to studying a Certificate III in Community Services at TAFE NSW next year, while I complete year 12, it will give me the best chance of being accepted into the NSW Police Force.”

After completing work placement over a ten-week period at the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Inc., Lilli-Rae was offered a part-time position with the organisation along with TAFE NSW and Macquarie Anglican Grammar School student Jamie Moore.

Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Inc. Manager of Children’s Services, Michelle Morrissey, said, “We had more than 40 applicants apply for the roles within the service and we could only employ three of these. Both Lilli-Rae and Jamie were stand out applicants and continue to be a great asset to the organization.

“They are actively engaged and have built relationships with the children, follow instructions from their supervisors and aren’t distracted by social media, which I find is a common trend with young employees.

“The feedback that I receive from their supervisors is that they are overwhelmed with their enthusiasm and hands-on skills that they possess at such a young age. Taking the initiative to study at TAFE NSW and seek out employment opportunities while still at school has really set them up for a successful career in the community services and childcare industry.”

To find out more about community services courses available at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515

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i Risks and rewards: when is vocational education a good alternative to higher education? The Grattan Institute, August 2019