Rebecca forges a career in compassion

After spending 13 years as a stay-at-home mum and later working in hospitality and retail, Rebecca realised her passion lay in community work.

Inspired by her mother, Rebecca knew she wanted to make a difference in people's lives, just as her mother had.

“My mum was a phenomenal woman who showed me the power of empathy and compassion. My fondest childhood memories were watching her make a difference in people’s lives through connection. I wanted to find that connectedness in the community after she passed away,” explained Rebecca.

Her educational journey began with a Certificate III in Community Services (CHC30812) at TAFE Queensland’s Redcliffe campus.

However, a fortuitous meeting with Community Services Teacher Deb Stephens at an orientation session led Rebecca to enrol in the Diploma of Child, Youth, and Family Intervention (CHC50313) at TAFE Queensland’s Caboolture Campus instead, a decision that proved to be one of the most fulfilling choices of her professional life.

Helping her to pursue her career in compassion was Fee-Free TAFE funding, which is part of the Queensland Government's Good People. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.

It aims to connect, educate, and attract the people needed to meet the state's workforce demand in existing and new industry sectors and support continued economic growth.

With approximately 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training places available in 2024, the program will support Queenslanders to skill up to meet the state's current and future workforce needs by enabling them to complete selected qualifications at no or low cost.

While training at TAFE Queensland, Rebecca found more than just a place to study; she found mentors and friends who would become integral to her success.

“Deb Stephens played a significant role as my teacher and mentor, inspiring me with her deep commitment to community work,” explained Rebecca.

“Her engaging teaching methods, including her famous classroom role plays, pushed my class and me to reflect on our values and biases, helping us all grow personally and professionally.”

While her study journey was filled with challenges and triumphs, Rebecca completed her diploma and built lifelong friendships with her classmates.

These connections, along with the unwavering support and motivation from her husband and three sons, gave Rebecca the strength to push through and succeed.

One of Rebecca’s journey highlights was her student placement at YMCA Moreton Bay Campus, where she is now employed as a Youth Worker.

“During this placement, I found my true calling, advocating for the safety, well-being, and belonging of children and young people,” she explained.

“Using my training, I’m working on a Gardening and Mindfulness Enrichment Program, which combines my passion for community work with innovative approaches to supporting youth.”

Rebecca’s story shows how TAFE Queensland’s hands-on training can open doors to new opportunities, introducing students to teachers and classmates that help anyone from any walk of life discover their true purpose.

Her journey from a stay-at-home mum to a dedicated Youth Worker is a powerful reminder that pursuing your dreams is never too late.

"I'm the first in my family to earn a diploma. Thanks to the on-campus delivery, face-to-face support from teachers and the facilities that kept me accountable, I finished my studies and was awarded the Graduate of the Year at my graduation,” she said.

“My course taught me that all behaviour is a form of communication and that I’m the absolute luckiest person for having the privilege of working in an industry that believes in the safety, well-being and belonging of every child and young person.”

“It’s an honour to advocate for some of the most inspiring, resilient, talented and amazing young people I’ve ever met and make a difference in their lives using the same understanding and kindness that I witnessed my incredible mum using throughout her life,” Rebecca concluded.