SuniTAFE students completing the Diploma of Community Services and Certificate IV in Community Services attended an industry information session at the Mildura campus on Wednesday 22 March.

A range of social services agencies spent the day talking to students. Those in attendance included Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mallee Accommodation and Support Program, and Mallee Family Care.
The sessions aimed to introduce students to relevant agencies around Mildura, to assist them in making an informed choice about where they want to do work placement as part of their course.

Some Early Childhood Education students were also in attendance, as it is likely they will work with these agencies throughout their careers.

During the information sessions, topics such as necessary qualifications and referral pathways were talking points for the industry representatives.

Community Services Teacher Di Frankel says that feedback from students about the event was positive.
“The sessions were really valuable for the students. For one student in particular, they didn’t know that an agency existed prior to the sessions. They have now chosen to do their placement with that agency.”
“Other students were surprised to learn just how many programs were on offer in the area, and all the directions that their qualifications could take them,” Di said.

Di says that the sessions were received positively by the attending agencies too.
“Industry was really happy. The event was able to lift their profile with the students and ultimately they want to attract our graduates to work for them,” she said. 
The Community Services department are hoping to make this an annual event.

Interested in studying a Community Services qualification at SuniTAFE? Click here to learn more about CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services and CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services.