Strengthening regional pathways in community services
TAFE Queensland and Gateway To Training are partnering to expand access to nationally recognised training, helping regional learners build meaningful careers in community services.
Overview
The partnership between TAFE Queensland and Gateway To Training has been designed to:
- Expand access to community services training across Southern Queensland
- Deliver nationally recognised qualifications aligned with local workforce needs
- Create clear pathways from training to employment and further study.
Gateway To Training
Gateway To Training is a regional training organisation supporting learners across Border Rivers, Southern Downs and Balonne regions, with a strong focus on connecting local communities to education and employment services
Opportunity
Regional communities across Southern Queensland face ongoing challenges accessing quality training close to home, particularly in growing sectors such as community services, aged care and disability support.
For many learners, geographic isolation, limited course availability and competing personal commitments can create barriers to entering or advancing in the workforce. At the same time, local employers are experiencing increasing demand for skilled workers who are job-ready and equipped with nationally recognised qualifications.
Gateway To Training identified an opportunity to partner with TAFE Queensland to expand training delivery in the region and ensure students could access high-quality education aligned to current and future workforce needs.
Solution
TAFE Queensland partnered with Gateway To Training to deliver a suite of community services programs across regional locations, combining local access with industry-leading training.
Through this partnership, students can enrol in qualifications including the Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015), Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021), and the Individual Support – Disability Skill Set (CHCSS00130).
Training is delivered across Goondiwindi, Warwick, Stanthorpe and St George, providing learners with the opportunity to study within their own communities while benefiting from TAFE Queensland’s experienced, industry-connected teachers.
The programs combine theory with practical, hands-on learning to ensure students develop the real-world skills needed to support individuals in a variety of settings. This includes building capability in communication, working with diverse people, supporting independence and wellbeing, and applying person-centred approaches to care.
Results
Since the partnership began in 2025, 19 students have successfully completed the Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015).
The partnership has continued to grow, with over 30 additional learners enrolling in Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) and the Individual Support – Disability Skill Set (CHCSS00130), and early completions already being achieved.
This sustained participation demonstrates strong demand for accessible, locally delivered training and highlights the partnership’s role in building a skilled regional workforce.
With additional cohorts underway in 2026 via rolling intakes the partnership continues to build momentum and broaden its impact across the region.
Future plans
TAFE Queensland and Gateway To Training will continue to strengthen their partnership, exploring opportunities to expand training delivery and introduce additional qualifications aligned to emerging industry needs.
By maintaining a strong focus on accessibility, local delivery and employment outcomes, the partnership aims to further support regional learners and contribute to workforce development across Southern Queensland.