Monique’s community services pathway with Gateway To Training and TAFE Queensland

A single parent of two and Warwick resident, Monique decided to pursue a community-based career after spending years caring for her grandfather and realising she had a natural ability to support others.

She’s now taking the next step by completing her training with TAFE Queensland, funded through the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

“I’ve just started getting back into the workforce,” Monique said.

“I thought I’d try community services because I’m really good at looking after people and helping where I can.”

Monique discovered the course online and reached out for support to apply.

From there, Gateway To Training helped guide her through the enrolment process, connect her with TAFE Queensland and is supporting Monique through her learning journey.

“I saw the certificate advertised and went down to Gateway to apply,” Monique said.

“Gateway helped me through everything and enrolled me into TAFE Queensland, which made it much less overwhelming.”

Studying face-to-face has been key to Monique’s success, particularly as she lives with a learning disability that affects her reading and writing.

“Face-to-face learning is way better for me,” she said.

“With my learning disability, I need that interaction. It’s much easier than trying to do it all online.”

To further support her learning, Monique also participates in the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

This program helps her strengthen literacy and numeracy skills while building confidence in the classroom.

“The SEE program helps me so much,” she said.

“We do English and maths, and the teachers help us work through paperwork and assessments step by step.”

Monique credits both her TAFE Queensland teacher and the Gateway To Training team with creating a supportive and understanding learning environment.

“My teacher helps me understand the questions,” she said.

“When it’s one-on-one, everything makes much more sense.”

Gateway To Training has also provided practical, flexible support, including support with assessments, technology issues and paperwork and allowing Monique to bring her children with her when needed.

“I can go in whenever I need help,” she said.

“They’ve [Gateway To Training] helped me upload assessments, fix computer problems and understand paperwork I didn’t get. And I can bring my kids, which makes it so much easier.”

Only a few months into her course, Monique has already gained new knowledge around legislation, health and communication, areas she hadn’t expected but now sees as vital to community services work.

“I didn’t think I’d need to learn about law, but I did,” she said.

“Now we’re learning about health, communication and understanding people’s needs.”

Monique’s goal after completing the Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is to gain employment as a community carer, particularly supporting older people.

“I want to get a job and help the community more than I am now,” she said.

“I’d really like to work caring for the elderly and others who need support.”

Her advice to anyone considering study, especially those who may doubt their ability, is simple.

“Just try,” she said.

“They help you so much with everything that needs to be done. If you think you can’t do it because of reading, writing or numeracy, you actually can — with the right support.”

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.