Meet Serene, inspiring Warwick's future community services workforce
With more than 16 years of industry experience across disability support, youth work and aged care, Serene is passionate about preparing the next generation of community services professionals to make a real difference in their communities.
Serene shares her extensive industry knowledge with students, helping them build the practical skills, confidence and compassion needed for rewarding careers in the human services sector.
Before becoming an educator, Serene worked across a range of community-focused roles, supporting people from diverse backgrounds and life circumstances.
"Before starting at TAFE Queensland, I worked in the community services sector for 16 years across disability, youth work and aged care," she said.
Drawing on this real-world experience, Serene delivers training that reflects current industry practices while helping students understand the challenges and rewards of working in community services.
As part of her role, Serene teaches Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015), which is delivered through a partnership between TAFE Queensland and Gateway to Training at the Warwick campus.
Serene also delivers Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42021), Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40421) and Diploma of Youth Work (CHC50425) through traineeship pathways across the Darling Downs.
"I love working with my students and colleagues," Serene said.
"I enjoy watching the confidence and success students gain throughout their studies."
For Serene, one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is seeing students discover their potential and develop the skills needed to support others.
Whether students are beginning their careers, changing direction professionally, or returning to study after time away from education, she is committed to creating opportunities for success.
For Serene, one of the greatest strengths of TAFE Queensland is the collaborative culture shared across campuses.
“The team I work with spans Toowoomba, Springfield, Warwick and Kingaroy campuses. We make the time to check in with everyone and step up when someone needs a hand," she said.
"Working together also involves working with our students to create opportunities to succeed in their chosen field."
According to Serene, that supportive approach extends across the entire organisation.
"I believe the TAFE Queensland culture is about delivering excellent opportunities and experiences for everyone involved," she said.
"Students and educators enjoy coming to TAFE because everyone is included and supported in all ways required for success."
"I’m proud to work for an organisation that recognises learning is not linear and gives opportunities to all regardless of circumstances or personal conditions through a range of supports and pathways," she said.
For anyone considering a career in community services or youth work, Warwick campus offers a local pathway into a growing industry where skilled, compassionate professionals are in demand.
The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015), delivered in partnership between TAFE Queensland and Gateway to Training, is designed for people looking to build foundation skills for the sector and is delivered over six months full-time through a blended learning model.
Students attend one day of on-campus training each week at Warwick campus, supplemented by a weekly Zoom session, creating a supportive learning environment.
Eligible students may be able to access Career Start funding to help cover the cost of completing the Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015), making training more accessible and helping them take the first step towards a rewarding career supporting others.
Through the partnership between TAFE Queensland and Gateway to Training, students based in the Southern Downs can access nationally recognised training, individualised support and real pathways into meaningful community-focused careers in their local communities.