Michelle Carr
Teacher Education Support, TAFE
Dear Michelle,
Why is a career in community services so rewarding, and how can I get started?
A career in community services allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives by providing valuable support and assistance.
While these jobs are often demanding, they are also rewarding, and with lots of opportunities available, CQUniversity’s community services programs can help you break into the sector.
Community services is an exciting and growing profession with strong employment prospects. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for example, which employs many people with community services qualifications, has predicted job growth of 20 percent or more in key areas of aged and disability care, social work, and health and welfare service managers. Education support qualifications can lead to Teacher Aide positions in schools, and often casual work is available in aged and disability care. Many community service occupations are family-friendly and offer flexible work hours.
Community services encompass a diverse range of jobs and functions, covering children’s education and care, disability and aged care, community care, counselling, social assistance, welfare services, and youth work. Functions may include working directly with clients in the field or at a specific location, as well as administration and management.
Affordable access to training is now available thanks to Australian and Queensland Government funding initiatives, such as JobTrainer, which provides free and low-fee training in many certificate and diploma courses. These courses teach technical skills and soft skills such as interpersonal skills, adaptability, and flexibility, which are essential for careers within the community services sector.
To learn more about courses in community services, visit www.cqu.edu.au/tafe or contact our friendly customer service team on 13 27 86.
