Kate Yeung Ching Yung
Kate Yeung Ching Yung came to Australia as an International student, but her love of learning means her student days aren’t over yet. Kate took time out of her hectic schedule to give us the lowdown on how her SECL Cert IV Community Services Scholarship is going and how she plans to put her new knowledge to work.
Hi Kate, welcome to The Yarn! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’ve lived in Melbourne for five years since arriving in Australia from Mauritius as an International student. In 2021, I earned my Bachelor of Arts with a double major in International Relations and Drama and a minor in Policy and Politics – a weird combination, but it was great! As well as completing the ICAN Learn/SECL Scholarship, I’m employed at a Not-For-Profit that works for the interests of young migrants and refugees. Currently, my time is split between a day in class with ICAN Learn, a day on placement at SECL, and the remainder at work. It’s a lot, but I love it.
Before receiving the scholarship, did you know much about community services?
Well, I thought I knew, but I didn’t! My work in advocacy is high level in terms of policy writing, so I wanted to understand how community services work on the ground. I mostly thought about community services in terms of youth work, given I work with young people. But now, reflecting on my weekly placement with SECL, I can appreciate how broad community services are and the diverse employment opportunities available. In fact, one of the students in my class has already found a job, so that’s very cool.
Can you tell us about your placement experience?
It’s kind of a genius idea to have the course and practical placement happening together at the same time; it gives you a taste of everything. When people come in for intake assessment, we see a variety of support needs, from family and domestic violence, to employment, education, and financial counselling. It’s made me aware of the broad spectrum of services available to help people.
Can you share some insights about the Financial Literacy units included in the Scholarship?
I think it was the best way to start the course. I’m 24 and still young, but I feel like there are things I should have known before I started the course, like how the financial system works, including bankruptcy, debt collection, and pitfalls of payday loans. I didn’t know all of the rights consumers have either. It blew my mind! This unit turned out to be a favourite among my classmates and me, which is not something I would have expected to say.
What are your plans after you graduate in 2024?
I’m passionate about staying on the youth work path, possibly even as a community services volunteer. Whether I continue in my current role or explore new opportunities, the course has been instrumental in providing insights into community services. It’s deepened my understanding of how young people engage with services and undergo case management. Without the course and placement, I wouldn’t have gained this practical understanding of service delivery and its impact on the ground.
How would you describe the level of support among the students in your class?
I have met so many amazing people and friends through the course. We’re a really tight team, so it’s always good vibes in class. There’s a lot of mutual support among us as everyone is juggling their own responsibilities. There’s a mix of students managing work and study, including a few mums. I’ve already offered to look after the kids of one of the single mums in our group so she can have a well-deserved day off. The culture is all about helping each other, and as a result, we’ve become a close-knit group.
If someone is considering studying with ICAN Learn, what advice would you offer them?
I would say don’t overthink it, just dive in! ICAN Learn is incredibly flexible, and everyone acknowledges that we all have lives and various commitments. What I really appreciate is the non-punitive approach; if you need extra help or an assignment extension, it’s no fuss. Michelle, our trainer, is always patient, supportive and available if you need to chat. So, if someone is concerned about the workload or finishing, I’d reassure them – don’t be – it’s not the same as uni, and the flexibility goes a long way. Personally, I’m so happy and grateful to SECL, ICAN Learn, and CBA for this amazing scholarship. The learning experience is fantastic, and I love to learn.
Find out more about ICAN Learn courses and scholarships here.
Read more about the ICAN Learn/CBA/SECL Scholarship here.
To find out how ICAN Learn can help with your training needs, contact ICAN Learn:
E: administration@icanlearn.edu.au
P: 03 5471 7777
