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Kat leads confidence building learning to strengthen community pathways in Charleville

Based at TAFE Queensland’s Charleville campus, Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) teacher Kat Castles is helping people in the region build confidence, essential skills and stronger connections to work and community.

“I’m really passionate about creating a supportive space where people feel safe to learn, collaborate and build confidence in themselves,” Kat said.

Kat delivers the SEE program, a free, face‑to‑face program designed to support people to strengthen their language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to better participate in work, education and everyday life.

The SEE program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

“We’re focused on helping people develop skills that support their personal goals – whether that’s getting a job, engaging more confidently in the community, or simply feeling capable using technology,” she said.

Delivered in person at the Charleville campus, the SEE program offers learners of all ages the opportunity to learn together in a practical, welcoming environment.

“Our community brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds, and that diversity adds real value to learning by allowing people to share experiences and support one another,” Kat said.

“Because the program is free and delivered face‑to‑face, people can come in, learn together, and work toward goals that matter to them.”

Kat said the program also plays an important wellbeing role.

“It gives people a goal to focus on, and an opportunity to connect with others,” she said.

“That sense of purpose and belonging is just as important as the skills themselves.”

The SEE program has been offered in Charleville in the past, and Kat is excited to be part of revitalising it for the community.

“It’s such a valuable program for people of all ages,” she said.

“We can help learners build digital skills too, from sending emails and attaching photos to staying connected with family through social media and messaging.”

Kat has called Charleville home for more than 16 years and brings a diverse professional background to her role at TAFE Queensland.

Originally moving to the region from Brisbane as a newly graduated veterinarian, Kat spent around a decade working as a mixed‑animal vet in Charleville and across Queensland and New South Wales.

“Over time, I realised I was answering the same questions in consult rooms about animal care and wellbeing,” she said.

“I started thinking about how I could share that knowledge more broadly rather than just one‑on‑one.”

That thinking led Kat to complete her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) with TAFE Queensland, an experience that inspired her career shift into teaching.

“I was blown away by the quality of the teaching, the staff and the support,” she said.

“I remember thinking, this would be a fantastic place to work.”

When the SEE teacher role became available at the Charleville campus, Kat said it felt like a natural fit.

“I love this town and being part of the community,” she said.

“This role allows me to support people to build confidence, pass on practical knowledge, and help open doors to new opportunities.”

Now firmly settled at TAFE Queensland, Kat is proud to be helping learners take meaningful steps toward employment, further study and greater independence.

“My goal is to create an enthusiastic and inclusive learning environment,” she said.

“One where everyone feels encouraged to learn and supported to succeed.”