TAFE NSW Diploma of Community Services students are learning to analyse the sociological impacts of situations and implement service programs to enhance the Port Macquarie community.

One TAFE NSW student is the Camp Leader for the Mid North Coast’s most reputable adventure camp for kids. Another student supports recovering drug and alcohol addicts to train for job interviews, find appropriate housing and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Another targets youth to channel their artistic talent for good, rather than using it as destructive graffiti. That same student also spreads laughter and joy to individuals living in hardship, by visiting different places such as hospitals, camps, schools and communities.

As part of their course requirements, TAFE NSW Port Macquarie Diploma of Community Services students participate in work placement through the course of their studies. With TAFE NSW industry contacts, students in the class have found an array of work placements that rival lifelong careers in community services.

TAFE NSW student, Joey Hammerton is currently working with Street Artz Fest which is an organisation that aims to channel young people’s creativity into legal artwork and useful places. Mr Hammerton also works with Humanitarian Clowns, and is a ‘clown in training’ in hospitals along the Mid North Coast.

In addition to these, Mr Hammerton also works with Pride in Port, a diversity and inclusion organisation and Community Place, which is the Hastings Council community engagement division.

Of his experience with all organisations, Mr Hammerton says “I like to support people in creating their own safe and accepting community. All of these experiences don’t feel like work because I’m very passionate and I’ve made so many friends along the way.”

TAFE NSW student, Ian Leslight, is the Camp Leader at Aussie Kids Adventure Camp. The camp, in both Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, aims to teach kids resilience and runs on school holidays and weekends.

Mr Leslight said, “The skills I’m learning at TAFE NSW are completely transferable to real world situations.”

Cherie Caltabiano is currently undertaking practical work experience at The Buttery, which provides free and confidential services for people receiving alcohol and other drug treatment. This includes assistance with obtaining housing, education, training and employment.

Ms Caltabiano is also working at The Neighbourhood Centre, the local social justice centre which provides meals for gold coin donation in addition to transport and housing.

The Diploma of Community Services can also be studied online, when and where it suits students, via TAFE Digital.

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au