SECL Scholarship Recipient Kate Yeung Ching Yung
ICAN Learn is excited to announce our new partnership with South East Community Links in Victoria. Our two organisations have joined forces to offer 12 Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42015 Scholarships (with financial literacy units) thanks to ICAN Learn’s ongoing partnership with Commbank under their Next Chapter program. Applications for this one-of-a-kind opportunity are currently open, with the course kicking off in April 2023 at South East Community Links in Springvale, Victoria.
These scholarships are specifically for people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or are from a multicultural background and have come to Australia in the last 10 years. Successful applicants will gain the skills and knowledge to put them on a career trajectory where they can help their own communities.
Peter McNamara, CEO of South East Community Links (SECL) said, “South East Community Links operates in one of the most diverse communities in Australia. We serve a large metropolitan First Nations community, and people born in more than 60 countries call Melbourne’s south east home. It’s important to us that we support initiatives that provide opportunities to reach employment and financial inclusion goals.
“We know the best way to improve people’s lives is through stable work. The community services workforce should reflect Australia’s cultural diversity, and these targeted scholarships remove financial barriers to education and employment,” said Peter.
Carolyn McAlister, Manager – Community Partnerships and Volunteer Engagement with SECL said, “I’m very excited about this partnership between SECL and ICAN Learn which offers accessible education for our community members.
“But it isn’t just about education; for the participants, this offers hope of employment options, increased income which leads to improved housing, financial stability and independence, as well as providing positive role modelling for their children. Being able to engage in work experience at SECL in the field they are studying means that participants grow in confidence and gain the practical skills needed to apply in future employment.”
Mentorship and Placement Opportunities
SECL is committed to providing mentoring and placement opportunities for students undertaking community services or social work qualifications.
“For this partnership the students will be working in our Community Wellbeing program, where they will to develop skills in intake, assessment, and respond to people in crisis. Having one day of study with one day of work allows students to meet their family and work obligations. The goal is for participants to finish their training with contemporary skills and knowledge, and the confidence to apply them in the community service sector,” said Peter.
Aaron Davis, CEO of ICAN/ICAN Learn, said, “ICAN Learn is excited to work with SECL on creating opportunities for the communities it represents. The great thing about the scholarship program is that the whole community benefits through having Indigenous and multicultural people develop their knowledge and skills in community services and financial capability. The teachers and mentors running the program will also learn a lot from the participants. Adult education really is a two-way street.”
Peter explained, “the Certificate IV qualification, when coupled with ‘on the job’ work experience means that people will finish the course job ready and with a reference from an organisation that provides quality service to community. For students this course is a pathway to employment in community services and further education. SECL see this as an ongoing partnership with ICAN Learn to facilitate further education and employment opportunities for First Nations and multicultural communities in our region.”
“Scholarship programs like this are an excellent opportunity to develop people where they are needed most. I can’t wait to see the success stories that come from this,” said Aaron.
To find out more or to apply for a scholarship email enquiries@icanlearn.edu.au
Check out all of the courses offered by ICAN Learn here
Find out more about South East Community Links here
