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Welcome to Term 3 – Chirnside Community Hub

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Welcome to issue #8 of OurHub term 3 Guide. As you can see we’ve moved to an online version for Term 3. Don’t worry the much loved printed version will be back for Term 4, and we will also continue to deliver this online for those of you who prefer to check out what’s on offer on your phone or tablet (it’s even better for our beloved planet).

What a whirlwind the last three months have been for not only for our community but for all communities worldwide. We have had to learn to adapt to many changes in our day-to-day routines with everything but essential services closed. For me, these changes meant that I had to adapt to working from home, homeschooling four children and being thrown into the world of virtual meetings and catch-ups. Reflecting on the past few months, I am really grateful for the experience as it has given me the opportunity to spend quality time with my family, enjoy a slower pace of life and gain the confidence that I can adapt to any situation and come out stronger.

We closed the Hubs on 23rd March and I was very unsure of how I was going to support the community and provide courses and programs, without being able to deliver them in the centre. I am very grateful for my amazing team and together we kept coming up with innovative ideas to support the community. Our Fit 4 Life program was the first to be delivered via Zoom and with the members that did not have access to technology, we sent them an exercise DVD and exercise information sheets. We connected our Wednesday morning craft group together on Zoom, and despite some technical challenges, with patience and persistence, we got there in the end. The weekly catch-ups have kept the ladies feeling connected during this isolating time.

Some of the other programs that went virtual included our Book and Movie Club which meets on the last Wednesday of the month and Majickal Belly Dancing launched a four-week course. Friday Night Live, a program created by our placement students from Box Hill Institute of TAFE, welcomed guest speakers each week and incorporated a question and answer section at the end. Guest speakers included Patrick Boucher and Danny Field from Yarra Ranges TV, David Shepard a Tai Chi instructor, and Emily Webbers, an Indigenous educator.

Two weeks before closed our Hubs, we welcomed Naomi to our team as the Chirnside Park Community Hub Coordinator (pictured above left). You may have already seen her on our weekly Cuppa and Chat sessions on our Facebook page, where she has kept us updated with what is going on at the Hubs. Naomi started the hugely successful Lock Down Lego Challenge on Facebook, reaching around 800 members. The group was created and new challenges were set up daily to engage families to get creative and build Lego. Due to the success of this group we are excited to be launching our Lego Group at both our hubs.

Level Up is unlikely to return to the Hubs in Term 3, or while limits on social gatherings are still in place. Level Up is extremely important for our young people however, we do not want to create a situation where some young people may need to be excluded from our programs. We are eager for Level Up to return as soon as we are able to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all. Gamers Lounge transitioned to an online format in May and will continue to do so for Term 3. Those interested in becoming involved can do so by joining our Facebook group.

We look forward to welcoming you back to our Hub and as always, please feel free to stop in for a cuppa and chat and let us know what you would like to see in our programming.

If you would like to subscribe simply click the Sign Up! button above.

Enjoy OurHubs online
Jenelle Strachan – Manager – Cire Community Hubs

 

 

Amazing virtual makeover for Training & Hubs

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Cire Training and Hubs (T&H) has reached new and innovative heights in service delivery during the COVID-19 restrictions, highlighting its expertise and commitment to offering flexible teaching and learning opportunities to people of all ages.

Whilst the physical sites have been closed, much has been happening in the cyber world with T&H rapidly embracing the challenge to deliver online and providing learners with extra support where necessary.

 “It has been fantastic to see how quickly we have been able to adapt to successfully deliver training online, and find ways to continue to support our students and broader community virtually across all of our services. This is a testament not only to our trainers and support staff, but also our students who have been working closely with us to make the transition as smooth as possible,” said Laura Shortis, Executive Manager of T&H.

“We have even seen higher levels of engagement among some people with our flexible delivery to enable learners to continue with, or commence their studies and be engaged and connected.”

A standout has been First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE),  which grew out of Cire’s Women’s Warehouse and has been creating all kinds of COVID-19 restriction ‘inspired’ records.

FICE provides long-term unemployed and financially disadvantaged and vulnerable women with access to quality and affordable clothing, on-the-job-training through its Mooroolbark shop, together with a broad range of teaching and learning opportunities and other supports.

With its shop closed, FICE has undergone its own makeover with a vengeance reaching more than 10,000 people through social media platforms. It is planning to continue the online sessions post COVID-19 to foster an ongoing connection with the broader community and complement Cire’s face-to-face learning platforms.

With engagement of over 7,000 and videos views at 7,400, the digital campaigns are playing an integral part in keeping the community up-to-date and providing practical assistance on finances, accessing material aids such as food, bill paying and providing advice on job searching and applications. Sessions have also been expanded to assist people to update resumes and cover letters in anticipation of the job market reopening.

FICE is confident that it will connect face-to-face with approximately 100 women a week when its shop reopens while its virtual reach will be many thousands a week.

Other initiatives from Cire Training and Hubs include:

  • Training’s pre-accredited and accredited courses have moved online with great results in terms of attendance and feedback from students.  Training has worked closely with those experiencing online learning challenges such as limited access to technology and resources and provided tailored support where needed.  The success of the transition in such a short period of time is a true testament to the dedication and expertise across the training team.  Expressions of interest are being invited for Cert III Individual Support and Cert IV Education Support, both starting in July (Term 3).  The style of delivery will be determined on restrictions at the time.
  • Smart Money has been delivered virtually for the first time and has been well received. Cire’s pre-accredited team has been providing additional support to small businesses given the current environment.  Small Business Hub is offering a special discounted membership fee for those joining the pandemic.
  • Community Hub programs online. Using Zoom for the Fit 4 Life seniors exercise class and weekly craft group has been extremely successful.  We have also been trialling new initiatives such as the Lego Lockdown Challenge and Minecraft competition.
  • Hub staff are volunteering with the CHAOS Chatline to assist those in the community who are reaching out for connection and support during this challenging time.
  • For the more vulnerable, Cire has distributed items such as Quilton toilet paper from Good360 which distributes new and surplus goods donated by its network of Australian manufacturers and businesses. While the FICE shop has been closed, there has been much online delivery of services and support such as virtual ‘Frock up Fridays’ with Good360 pamper products as prizes, and a Zoom makeup session with donated L’Oreal makeup packs for participants.

Laura said the feedback from learners has made worthwhile all the hard work in embracing change so quickly and overcoming the challenges along the way.

The following helps capture the appreciation:

“It is fantastic to do all these exercises online with others.  You still get the community feel even in isolation. It is so nice to see other people we used to see all the time, plus it actually makes sure we do exercise and do it properly with supervision. Great fun for all” – Julie, Fit 4 Life participant

“I have enjoyed studying online as it gives me the flexibility to study from home and enables me to perform my family commitments. The workload is manageable and my teacher is easy to get in touch with and flexible in providing extra support when required” – Gavin, Certificate IV Education Support student (pitured above)

“I never thought I would enjoy learning about superannuation so much! Sue steers you through the confusing world of superannuation, with clear, informed and easy to follow teaching. The course is well thought out with the different aspects uncovered in each session, Sue takes the time so you truly understand what it is you are learning, I feel so much more confident and empowered in understanding my superannuation – thanks for such a fabulous course” – Alexandra, Smart Money attendee

Students and trainers have embraced the changes during this challenging time, as seen in this video for a Kitchen Kaos.

The Training and Hubs team are excited to be able to welcome people back to both the Yarra Junction and Chirnside Park Community Hubs following the announcement of the easing of restrictions. Both hubs will be re-opening on the 1st of June and will be resuming standard programs and services as the restrictions allow.

If you have any questions please contact us via email or call 1300 835 235

New Hospitality Training Centre for Cire Community School

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Career pathways for students at Cire Community School will receive a major boost with the opening of the school’s new hospitality training centre at the start of 2020.

The purpose-built training facility will enhance the learning experiences for students from both the school and Cire Training, greatly enhancing and expanding their potential career opportunities in the hospitality industry.

It will also hugely benefit a social enterprise run by students from the existing basic and small kitchen in the Cire church building.

Costing more than $500,000, Cire CEO Gus Seremetis said the development would boost the school’s growing reputation as a school of choice and place of positive learning.

‘The hospitality training centre is particularly relevant for our students because of the continuous of tourism in our region and ambitious plans for the future including the Ride Yarra Ranges project.’

‘Our state-of-the-art commercial kitchen will encourage Cire Community School students to participate in hospitality studies and skills which will be highly sought after to cater for the continuously growing number of visitors to the Yarra Valley and surrounds.’

Adding to the project, Cire has received a $20,000 Local Schools Community Fund grant to assist with landscaping and creating areas for relaxation and developing a vegetable garden.  The vegetable garden will help promote healthy eating and reinforce the paddock-to-plate learning.

The Yarra Valley is renowned for hospitality and tourism, however, according to local traders there is a skills gap. Being able to train students to a high standard onsite, means the initiative will be of great benefit to local business, the broader region as well as the students and Cire’s reputation as a visionary organisation.

The Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project and Yarra Valley Trail Project alone promise to create many new jobs in the near future to cater for the anticipated boom in visitor numbers.

It is envisaged the new facility will be used by other Cire operations and the broader community.

 

State Member pays neighbourly visit

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State Member for Evelyn, Bridget Vallence recently received a first-hand account of how Cire Services is going from strength-to-strength as one of the region’s most significant and dynamic not-for-profit organisations.

Mrs Vallence gained the insight during a neighbourly visit to our new premises in Lilydale, just two doors from her own office. Mrs Vallence was welcomed by Cire CEO, Gus Seremetis who outlined many of Cire’s achievements so far this year as well as the programs and services it continues to introduce and deliver, to best meet the needs of people of all ages across the Yarra Ranges and beyond.

Cire’s Lilydale premises accommodates Cire Training and Corporate Services, providing improved teaching, learning and office space as well as a greater public profile. The move has also freed up much-needed space for the Community School at its Mount Evelyn campus and Yarra Junction Community Hub.

Gus said Cire was committed to providing educational opportunities for people of all ages through its core operations of Cire Training, Cire Community School, Cire Children’s Services and Cire Community Hubs. She said Cire delivered its services across multiple sites at Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Yarra Junction and Chirnside Park.

In addition to occupying the Lilydale office at 211 Main Street, Gus explained that 2019 has been a year of exciting milestone achievements. These included:

  • At the invitation of Yarra Ranges Council, taking over the management of Chirnside Park Community Hub and revitalising the purpose-built resource through a range of initiatives.
  • Securing registration to commence a 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten program at Chirnside Park Community Hub in 2020.
  • Community Training Provider of the Year in the prestigious Victorian Department of Education and Training’s 65th Anniversary Victorian Training Awards. In addition, in the 2019 Learn Local Awards, Cire was named a Learn Local Legend and a finalist in the Victorian Learn Local Practitioner Award – Nina Bekker, Cire Training’s Business Development Manager; and the Victorian Learn Local Creating Local Solutions Award – Women’s Warehouse Essentials.
  • Finalist in prestigious national business and educational awards in the respective categories of social change-maker and specialist school.
  • Cire Community School’s reputation as a school of choice validated by a waiting list of students.
  • Commencement of the building of a hospitality training facility at Cire Community School
  • Successful launch of Cire initiatives including First Impressions Clothing Exchange for, and operated by, long-term unemployed women; Level Up youth program with a focus on esports (video games) at the Chirnside Park and Yarra Junction community hubs.
  • Securing funding from/partnering with philanthropic organisations such as the RACV Foundation and Helen Macpherson Smith Trust to expand our services and programs.
  • Securing competitive government and philanthropic grants.
  • Relaunch of Cire’s website

Cire named top community training provider in Victoria

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Cire Services has been named the top community training provider in Victoria, validating Cire Training’s leading reputation for excellence and its innovative programs designed to enhance the employment pathways of people of all ages throughout the Yarra Ranges and beyond.

Cire claimed the coveted title when it won the Community Training Provider category at the Victorian Department of Education and Training’s 65th Anniversary Victorian Training Awards evening at Crown Palladium on Friday 6 September.

The awards are the most prestigious event on the TAFE and training calendar, showcasing the ‘best of the best’ in the sector as well as highlighting how Vocational Education and Training (VET) is making a powerful and enduring difference to individuals and communities.

Further reinforcing its reputation, Cire was a recent finalist in three categories in the 2019 Learn Local Awards: Learn Local Legend; Victorian Learn Local Practitioner Award – Nina Bekker, Cire Training’s Business Development Manager; and the Victorian Learn Local Creating Local Solutions Award – Women’s Warehouse Essentials.

Cire’s CEO, Gus Seremetis said the string of award accolades was a thrilling acknowledgement of Cire’s work, with much to look forward to in the future. She noted the true measure of Cire’s success was the high number of participants who find employment after undertaking training at Cire and the huge increase in course enrolments.

 ‘We are proud of our quality and innovative approaches to upskilling people to enhance their employment pathways, and the positive difference this makes  at so many levels and well beyond the classroom,’ Mrs Seremetis said.

‘Our award successes are a particular tribute to the hard work of our team at Cire Training and the way all our services work in collaboration to deliver to people of all ages within our extensive reach.’

Cire Training prides itself on a try before you buy approach to its programs, and being agile in order to assist and be accessible to cohorts experiencing disadvantage.

The Try a Trade tasters, run in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, have been extremely successful with more than 36 per cent of participants enrolling in pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. Cire’s accredited and pre-accredited courses combine practicality and entrepreneurship with subjects such as cooking, literacy, computer skills and financial literacy. The Women’s Warehouse program empowers long-term unemployed women; 70 per cent of participants have achieved employment.  Cire’s pre-accredited enrolments have doubled in the past three years.

Executive Manager, Cire Education and Training, Anna Louise Allen commended the team at Cire Training for its strong commitment to the people of the Yarra Valley by developing programs that support re-engagement in work and learning.

Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria
Cire named top community training provider in Victoria

Rotary throws weight behind Learn Locals

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Cire Services recently participated in a workshop organised by Rotary District 9810 to explore ways of working together to best meet the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged adult learners in our region.

Cire was among several Learn Local providers (LL) who were invited to attend the session to brainstorm ideas, share experiences including their challenges and how these could be addressed in partnership with Rotary.

In facilitating the session, John Maddock from Box Hill Central Rotary explained that basic education and literacy (BEL) is an area of focus for Rotary.

‘There is a massive need locally to make basic education and literacy accessible particularly to vulnerable and disadvantaged adult learners,’ said John who chairs District 9801’s Basic Education and Literacy Expert Group.

District 9801 extends from Hampton to the Upper Yarra with many of its member clubs working with primary and secondary schools and in the tertiary sector. There is a strong desire to also contribute to the Learn Local sector which delivers pre-accredited and accredited training across a variety of learning topics.

This has been further driven by a 2018 report entitled ‘Future Opportunities for Adult Learners in Victoria – Pathways to Participation and Jobs. The report highlighted the importance of adult education community providers engaging community organisations such as Rotary to help respond to the increasing number of people seeking education pathways but experience non-vocational barriers such as mental health issues and socio-economic disadvantage.

In sharing a snapshot of Cire Training, Business Development Manager, Nina Bekker, said 32,000 hours of training was delivered in 2018 and $300,000 in government funding received.

Nina said the majority of Cire’s LL students were women, looking to return to work. She noted there were an estimated 16,000 small to medium sized business in the Yarra Ranges Shire with most operated by women.

‘One of our greatest areas of need at present is to help improve the literacy of men aged 45 and older who had been retrenched or are unemployed,’ Nina explained.

In addressing the group, John Maddock noted that Rotary had a wealth of expertise within its ranks as well as funding opportunities to help assist LLOs.

Participating LLOs are now considering how best they can work with Rotary to achieve their goals and address identified needs, with plans for the group to reconvene later in the year.

In addition to Cire Training, other organisations represented included Orana at Knox, Kerrie Neighbourhood House, Glen Waverley, Task Force Moorabbin, Cheltenham Community Centre, and Springvale Learning and Activity Centre.

The size and reach of each of the LLOs varied considerably and so too did their challenges and the local needs.

Rotary is the oldest service club in the world, bringing together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both local and international levels.

In District 9801, clubs commit more than $1.5 million every year to local projects.  The combined contribution is valued at an estimated at $10 million when the number of volunteer hours is included.

Cire is one of the first organisational members of Wandin Rotary.

Pictured: John Maddock, Box Hill Central and chair of District 9801’s Basic Education and Literacy Expert Group; Cire’s Nina Bekker;  District Governor-elect Shia Smart, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills and Sue O’Brien, Senior Project Officer, Regional Engagement – North Eastern Victoria Department of Education and Training/Rotarian.

 

 

 

Community garden ‘explodes’

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While students were enjoying their school holidays, the Cire community garden at Mt Evelyn has been bursting at the seams with extensive growth.

The tomatoes, pumpkins and zucchini plants have been quickly filling up the beds and we have already harvested more than eight kilograms of delicious zucchinis. In true community spirit, Cire families and staff have shared the zucchinis for use in slices, relish casseroles, salad, grated into pasta, crumbed, filled and roasted and even made into a chocolate cake.

Other crops that have been harvested during the Spring/Summer season include rocket, garlic, silverbeet, snap peas, garlic chives, kale, spring onion, and herbs like parsley, chives, oregano, rosemary, nasturtiums and thyme.

This year we grew four varieties of potato – White, Desiree, Royal Blue and Brake Light. The White has been extremely abundant and large in size. For flavour and versatility, Royal Blue won hands down. Delicious roasted, fried, used in salads or mashed.

The garden has struggled against wild rats and we have done what we can to protect the crops and garden beds from their destruction. It has been devastating to discover their destruction of seedlings and crops such as basil, beans, peas and more recently, the entire corn crop.  However, we are always learning and adapting to our environment and hopefully, we can focus on the positives. We may not be able to harvest any corn this year but we could use the stalks as climbing frames for beans, a shelter for nearby crops and then mulch for the garden beds.

The biodiversity and health of the plants and soil, as well as the lush plantings, have encouraged an abundance of wonderful creatures who all call the garden home and have various roles to play. We have a family of three young kookaburras learning to fly and feed around the garden and also honey bees, hoverflies, butterflies, blue banded bees, lady beetles, rosellas, magpies all calling the garden home with various roles to play.

The students did an amazing job of tending to the garden during classes last year. They have injected their own unique style with art pieces and ornaments starting to appear, adding vibrancy and colour to the garden.

We are reaping many benefits from the garden. It is very productive with the array of self-sown vegetables and herbs, as well as providing seeds to collect and plant next season. The garden is also a peaceful haven for all involved. Such continuously expanding benefits are extremely rewarding and highlight how our garden awards are so well deserved.

We are looking forward to another fantastic and productive year. Happy gardening!

Jillian Dowling
Horticulture Trainer
Cire, Mt Evelyn

Community garden ‘explodes’
Community garden ‘explodes’
Community garden ‘explodes’
Community garden ‘explodes’
Community garden ‘explodes’
Community garden ‘explodes’
Community garden ‘explodes’
Community garden ‘explodes’

If you would more information on our training courses click here.

Everyday skills can be hard for some

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A surprising statistic for you – around 44% of adult Australians has literacy levels that make everyday tasks very difficult. Sadly, our numeracy levels are worse with over half of Australian adults scoring low on international surveys.

If you have been able to read this so far, fortunately, you are likely not a contributor to this statistic.

Low literacy or numeracy ability is not just being able to read this blog. It is so much more. Social exclusion, financial hardship, struggle to pay for a coffee, not being able to help your kids with their homework or hearing your child tackling with their first words and dreading when they ask, “What’s this word?”, in their high pitched inquisitive little voices.

More worryingly, however, is the health impact this can have on individuals. Not being able to read instructions on a medical prescription and let’s not even start with reading the health benefits of chia seeds, matcha powder and goji berries – what berries?  Low fat, reduced fat, no added sugar, aaargh.

More practical low literacy levels can have a real impact on one’s employment prospects.

Workplaces never used to require as much arduous paperwork or there may be a entry exam as a part of the recruitment process.  Now there are logbooks for trucks drivers, OH&S requirements for factory workers to follow, policies to read and seemingly endless forms to complete.

So what can we do?

Here at Cire we have a number of Everyday Living Skill courses to not only improve your literacy and numeracy, but also improve your life skills, and in turn, your confidence and social interaction, all in a supportive and fun environment.

From Everyday English and Maths to Independent Living and cooking in Kitchen Kaos.  There is such a diverse range of courses to help anyone who wants to learn.

One day you can be going to the laundry mat or cooking up spaghetti bolognaise and the next increasing your reading and writing or setting out a simple budget in maths.

“My reading, writing and maths have really improved since starting at Cire. This makes me feel happy and more confident”. I also like coming to class to socialise with others – Robyn, Student, Everyday Learning Skills

Here are just some of the great courses on offer,

  • Independent Living
  • Kitchen Kaos and healthy living
  • Tech Hub
  • Everyday English
  • Intermediate English
  • Everyday Maths
  • Smart Money

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about our courses, please contact Cire on 1300 835 235 for further information. We also offer a free trial where you can attend a session to see whether the course suits your needs. ­­

Working in the Community Garden
Working in the Community Garden

Finding the most suitable training option for you

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Skills First is a government-funded vocational education and training program that is accessible to people who do not hold a post-school qualification, or who want to gain a higher level qualification than they already hold. TAFE’s and Learn Locals may be able to offer an exemption, therefore the best advice would be to speak to them first.

If you are eligible for government subsidised training through the eligibility criteria, the government will contribute to the cost of training. It is smart to use your entitlements before you consider accruing a debt. If you are not sure, speak to the people who can provide advice about the training, its potential job outcomes and your needs.

I wanted to do training that would get me a job. Living in Millgrove made it really hard to know what to do. One day I received a call from a telemarketer who invited me to an interview in Lilydale. I went along and they talked about hairdressing, beauty and nail technology. I thought that I could do this and perhaps run my business from home in Millgrove. I said I would like more information and signed some forms.

The next thing I knew I was enrolled in a course that was delivered in the city. Millgrove to the City is a 3 -4 hour trip by public transport. There was no way I could do that.

I did not attend any classes. The next thing I found out was that I had, not one, but two VET Fee Help Debts. I really wish I knew what I was signing up for!

I called into Cire Service Inc to talk about my situation. They were really helpful and discussed job opportunities and careers that I could possibly do in the Yarra Valley. They also had the option to offer an exemption which meant that I would be able to do a course that was government funded and much cheaper than the big debt that I had accrued from my meeting about beauty and hairdressing. Mary – Student (Millgrove)

What to consider before enrolling:

  • Ensure the course you wish to enrol in aligns with your career and further study aspirations. For information about finding a VET option that suits you, see  education.vic.gov.au
  • Ensure the delivery strategy meets your study and work/ life balance. If you live in a regional area, consider what is available locally.
  • Understand the eligibility criteria (see below for more information)
  • Read more about the education and training you need for the job you want and improve your knowledge and skill in an area that interests you. education.vic.gov.au training/learning
  • Research your training provider and training options on training.gov.au

Eligibility Criteria:

Students may be eligible for funding through the Skills First Program if they meet the following criteria:

  • Be an Australian Citizen or Permanent visa holder or a New Zealand Citizen
  • Must reside in the state of Victoria
  • Not be currently enrolled in two or more Victorian Government-subsidised courses in the current year.
  • Have not commenced more than two Government-subsidised courses in a calendar year.
  • Have not commenced a maximum of two subsidised courses at the same level in your lifetime. This restriction applies whether or not you complete the course.
  • Over 20 years of age (as at 1 January in the year of commencement of training) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training in a course that is at a higher qualification level than the highest qualification held at the time of the scheduled commencement of training.

If you wish to seek further clarification regarding eligibility contact our office on 1300 835 235 or you may wish to access the funding eligibility indicator click here.

You can only commence a maximum of two subsidised courses at the same level in your lifetime. This restriction applies whether or not you complete the course.

The restriction does not apply to:

  • courses on the Foundation Skills List.
  • students recommencing training in the same qualification at the same or different provider.

In exceptional circumstances, you can apply to the Department for an exemption to the lifetime limit of two commencements at the same level.

Enrolment Process

The enrolment process at Cire Services has been designed to assist you in finding the best possible course for your needs.

  • Register your expression of interest for a course via our online expression of interest form or contact our office on 1300 835 235.
  • Our reception staff can provide some information, however, we recommend that you come in to talk to one of our enrolment officers who can discuss your goals, check eligibility and provide advice to support you to select the best pathway for you. At this pre-training session, you will discuss your goals and the training offered by Cire Services to assist you with making an informed decision about which program best meets your requirements
  • All students are required to undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test. The purpose of this information is to provide us with information so that we can support you to successfully complete your chosen course. You are also provided with a quote for the course fees and some suggested industry taster and study courses also offered by Cire Training. Once you have completed your enrolment form and paid your fees a confirmation of enrolment letter is sent to you with the course details, starting date and time.
  • Cire training is here to support you every step of the way.

Exemptions

Cire Services Inc can offer a limited number of exemptions to students who have undertaken a qualification previously that was not aligned with their needs. This is a limited arrangement with the Victorian Government and cannot be taken lightly. Speak with an enrolment officer today about your needs and whether we are able to assist.

You don’t need a uni degree to have a great career…

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Mid-January saw many thousands of 2016 year 12 students receive first round offers into their chosen university course. To the students who didn’t receive an offer, congratulations on completing your final year of secondary education.

 “I want to congratulate every student who has received an offer but I also want every potential student to understand that there are very many paths to the career you seek.” Gayle Tierney, Minister for Training and Skills

University is not for everyone so for those who didn’t get through, or didn’t even apply, there are plenty of alternatives out there that can lead to a rewarding career. University is not the only pathway available to achieving a happy, successful and fulfilling career. There are many different options ahead for those not attending university. Whether or not it is the decision to head straight into the workforce, or the opportunity to travel and work overseas. For some it is the potential to seek further education and training at a local community based Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to study in a chosen field.

Passing your VCE is a massive achievement that you all should be very proud of. Now is the time to think about your career and plans for your future. Some professions are in high demand such as early childhood education and aged and community care. A growing ageing population has meant that many people have joined this rewarding sector. With parents now returning to work earlier, children’s services’ providers are hiring on a regular basis. Both these professions are obtainable by gaining a certificate or diploma.

Cire Training is a local RTO based in Mount Evelyn and Yarra Junction and offers courses ranging from a certificate II level to diploma level. Students can enrol, complete a certificate or diploma course and be qualified and working within 6 to 18 months. Many of the courses include practical on the job skills and experience through completing work placement hours and knowledge and expertise by attending classroom sessions.

“Our vocational qualifications are nationally recognised and will provide you with a pathway to further your career opportunities or prepare you to take an entirely new direction” Anna-Louise Allen – Manager Cire Education and Training.

Another pathway to consider is undertaking a traineeship, where a student can work within the industry and be paid whilst studying towards a qualification.

University is not the only option when considering further study; there are many ways to further your education and reach career goals. If you’re not sure what to do or where to turn, drop into your local RTO for a chat about what courses are offered and options for career pathways.

For more information about the courses offered at Cire Training, call 03 9736 1457