Are you considering a Certificate III in Community Services? Whether you’re exploring a new career or looking to make a difference in your community, understanding the types of people who take this course can help you decide if it’s the right fit for you. Students in this course come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wide range of experiences and motivations that enrich the learning environment and prepare them for meaningful careers in community services.
Who Studies a Certificate III in Community Services?
Students who take the Certificate III in Community Services come from all walks of life. Let’s break it down into simple points:
Age Range
Students are of all ages, from teenagers just starting out, to adults who are closer to retirement. This mix of ages brings both fresh ideas and valuable life experiences into the classroom.
Example: You might find yourself sitting next to an 18-year-old fresh out of high school, excited to start a career that makes a difference, or a 55-year-old looking to give back to the community after a long career in another field.
Gender
While anyone can take this course, more women tend to enroll. This reflects the broader community services sector, where most workers are female. But men are also welcome and play an important role in this field.
Example: A typical class might include women who are drawn to community work because of their nurturing instincts and experience in caregiving roles, alongside men who are interested in making a tangible impact in their communities.
Professional Backgrounds
Variety: Students come from many different jobs—like trades, retail, hospitality, and office work.
Transferable Skills: They bring skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which are all useful in community services.
Example: Picture a former retail worker who excelled at customer service now using those same people skills to connect with community members in need, or a tradesperson applying their problem-solving abilities to tackle challenges in a social work setting.
Motivations
Personal Experiences: Some students have faced challenges in their own lives and want to help others who are going through similar situations.
Example: A student who has overcome personal hardships, such as addiction or homelessness, might be motivated to support others facing similar struggles, using their lived experience to offer empathy and guidance.
Career Change: Others are looking for a job that aligns with their values, something that offers purpose and a chance to make a real impact.
Example: Someone from a corporate background might feel unfulfilled by their desk job and decide to switch to a career where they can see the direct impact of their work on people’s lives.
Reskilling: Some are part of programs that help them gain new skills for better job opportunities.
Example: An individual who was recently laid off might enroll in the course as part of a government reskilling program, eager to start a new career in a growing field.
Social Connection: There are also students who enjoy the social aspect of learning and meeting people with similar interests.
Example: A retiree might take the course not only to stay active and engaged but also to meet new people and form lasting connections while contributing to their community.
Who Studies This Course at Industry Skills Training at our Perth Campuses?
IST predominantly offers face-to-face classes for the Certificate III in Community Services at its Perth campuses. This location attracts a subset of students with characteristics unique to the area, which may not apply to all of Australia. Here’s why this matters:
FIFO Workers: Given Western Australia’s strong mining and resources sectors, many of our students are FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) workers from the mining industry. They are looking to switch to a more stable and community-focused job.
Workforce Australia Participants: Some students are here because they’re part of Workforce Australia programs. These programs help people learn new skills and transition into growing industries, like community services.
Local Residents: The Perth campus also draws in locals from a variety of jobs, including trades, hospitality, and office roles. They’re looking for a way to give back to their community and make a difference.
Specific Motivations: The reasons people in Perth choose this course often reflect the needs of the local community. Many want to help vulnerable groups, work with young people, or get involved in community development.
Finding Your Place in the Community Services Sector
If you’re considering enrolling in the Certificate III in Community Services, you’ll be joining a diverse group of students, each with their own unique story and reasons for pursuing this path. The course offers not just an education, but a chance to connect with others who share your passion for helping people and making a difference.
For more insights into what it’s like to study this course, you might find these articles helpful:
What Is It Like Studying a Certificate III in Community Services with IST?
Will a Certificate III in Community Services Help You Get a Job?
Ready to Take the Next Step?
No matter where you’re coming from or where you want to go, the Certificate III in Community Services at IST offers a place for everyone. Ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career? If you see yourself fitting in with this diverse, motivated group of students, we encourage you to reach out today. Enroling in the Certificate III in Community Services at IST in Perth could be the start of a fulfilling career, helping others and contributing to your community. Contact us now to learn how you can join our next class.
