TAFE Queensland and Gateway To Training help Katy to build her career in care

Originally from Goondiwindi, Katy now lives and works in Texas, Queensland, where she has embraced small-town life and the strong sense of connection it brings.

“Since moving here, it has really started to feel like home,” Katy said.

“I enjoy being part of a small country community where people support each other.”

Katy was inspired to pursue a career in aged and disability care by her desire to help people, particularly older residents and people living with disability.

“I have always wanted to help people,” she said.

“After moving to Texas, I saw how important community care is in small towns, and that encouraged me to gain the right skills to support people properly and make a difference.”

She chose to study through Gateway To Training and TAFE Queensland’s partnership program, which delivers high‑quality, nationally recognised training to students across Southern Queensland.

The partnership focuses on expanding access to education and strengthening regional, rural and remote communities by providing training close to home.

“I chose Gateway To Training and TAFE Queensland because I was able to complete the course in Goondiwindi, which is close to where I live,” Katy said.

“That made it much easier to balance my studies with work and everyday life.”

Katy was eligible to complete her course via the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

Katy was also the first person in her family to study with TAFE Queensland, a milestone she describes as a proud achievement. 

“It made me feel proud to take that step,” she said.

“I was working towards a career where I could help others, and that meant a lot to me.”

Through her training, Katy developed practical, job‑ready skills that prepared her for real‑world health support work.

“What I enjoyed most was learning practical skills I could use every day when supporting clients,” she said.

“It helped build my confidence and made me feel more prepared to work in the aged care and disability industry.”

Katy credits her teachers with creating a supportive learning environment that helped her succeed.

“My teacher, Peta Sue, explained everything in a way I could understand and always made time to help when I needed it,” she said.

“She replied to my emails and messages, which made me feel supported and encouraged to keep going.”

She said the wider teaching team also played an important role.

“They were patient, encouraging and always willing to explain things clearly,” Katy said.

“Their support gave me confidence in my abilities and helped me complete my course.”

As part of her training, Katy also completed industry placement, giving her valuable hands‑on experience.

“My placement helped me understand what working in care is really like,” she said.

“Learning how to use equipment such as mobility aids and daily living equipment prepared me for real-life work situations and helped build my confidence.”

Katy is now working in the care sector, supporting people in their homes and community.

She began her career with Queensland Health Community Care in 2022, before starting with Texas Home Life Care in 2023.

“I really enjoy helping clients feel safe, comfortable and supported,” she said.

“It makes me proud to know I’m making a difference in their lives.”

TAFE Queensland, in partnership with Gateway To Training, delivers a range of individual support and community services training pathways across Southern Queensland, including the Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015), Individual Support – Disability Skill Set (CHCSS00130) and Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021).

The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) course is ideal for people taking their first steps into community‑focused work, offering a strong foundation for roles supporting individuals, families and diverse communities.

With strong employment growth forecast across the community and welfare sector, the qualification provides clear pathways into entry‑level roles or further study in community services and health.

Katy with her educator Peta Sue.