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Embark on a rewarding new career in Individual Support!

Would you like to embark on a career that allows you to change people’s lives for the better? Do you pride yourself on your compassion, ability to empathize and your desire to help others?

Do you want to work in a rewarding, growing industry that can offer you employment opportunities, job security and flexible working arrangements?

Undertaking study in Individual Support doesn’t just qualify you to become a carer: it provides you with the skills you need to play a vital role in your clients’ unique life stories. You will care for people during their most vulnerable moments and sit with them through difficult times. Your companionship will help prevent the social isolation that has been identified as a cause of numerous health issues, both physical and psychological. You will provide your clients with the support they need to face their personal challenges and you’ll become part of the rich tapestry of our local community.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistic’s Labour Force Survey, there will be over 250,000 employment opportunities in Healthcare and Social Assistance by 2023, with a 39% increase in Aged and Disability Carer roles. Census data identifies Aged Care Residential Services as a major industry of employment across the Yarra Ranges. Opportunities in the field will only continue to increase, with the number of people requiring some form of care projected to double by 2050.

Working in Individual Support is about more than just job security and industry growth. Your work will also be enriching, varied and interesting. Forget spending 9am-5pm stuck behind a desk! One day you might be assisting clients with mobility and daily activities, the next you could be organising social events and accompanying them out-and-about. You will become familiar with your client’s personalities, quirks, behaviours and empower them to make the improvements they need to live their lives to the fullest.

Cire’s Certificate III in Individual Support offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and 120 hours of practical, hands-on work placement. You will learn the foundational skills required to work safely and recognize health body systems, feel confident working closely with a diverse range of people, and be able to provide high-quality individualized care. You will be able to communicate with health-care professionals and monitor your client’s wellbeing. Based on your choice of electives, you may also learn to facilitate the empowerment of older people, provide dementia support and develop the knowledge required to work with a palliative approach.

Here at Cire, we believe in choice. We want you to have control over your own learning and future pathways. With this in mind, we’ve developed three different learning streams within the Certificate III. You can choose to specialize in Home and Community Care, Aged Care or Disability depending on your desired career outcome. You can also decide to study all three, giving yourself a broad general knowledge that will allow you to pursue a variety of roles.

A qualification in Individual Support provides a range of job opportunities, depending on your chosen learning stream. Upon graduating, you may find yourself working as an aged care support worker, a personal care attendant, a residential worker or in respite care.

The Certificate III runs across 7 months at our Yarra Junction Campus, with new enrolments being accepted throughout 2020. Our courses include a mix of classroom sessions, work placement and self-directed learning.

We’ll be running free information sessions, aiming to provide you with everything you need to make the right decision when it comes to enrolling in a qualification. These will cover the courses offered by Cire Training, future career pathways and more!

Click here to reserve your free space.

From Student to Employee

My name is Rebecca and I’m an employee and student at Cire Services.

I first started at Cire as a student in the Step Ahead Program at the Cerini Centre in Warburton 2013.

I became aware of the program through my family, as they had previously been students and staff members of the organisation. The program was suggested to me I didn’t enjoy the mainstream school I was attending and I was looking for another option in order to continue my education.

The Step Ahead Program was designed for early school leavers under the age of 16 to participate in literacy, numeracy, art, drug education, cooking and other life skills. The classes were held in the comfort of a small classroom with a small number of students. The difference was the hands-on and creative learning techniques; it was not just about completing worksheets and keeping up with homework.

In 2015 I moved to the new location in Yarra Junction to finish off the rest of my schooling. The Yarra Junction campus was so different compared to Warburton, it had nice buildings, gardens, and was super spacious, it had a different atmosphere, and tons more people.

I started year 10 at the Yarra Junction campus, but being in a new environment with new people made it hard for me to complete all my school work, and as a result, I had to repeat year 10 the following year.

By the time the next year came around I was much more settled in my environment and with all the people around me, so I was able to get all my work finished and could move up into year 11.

When people hear the term ‘community school’ they think of a school for drop-outs or really troubled children, but a community school is more than that, it’s a place where you can be yourself and build ever-lasting friendships. It’s a place where you’re not only getting an education; you’re getting life skills and building up your self-confidence. Coming to Cire Community School was definitely the right choice for me.

From student to employee

Anna-Louise Allen (Executive Manager – Education and Training) presenting Bec with flowers after her inspiring words about her educational journey

Last year I was offered an amazing opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Business Administration as a school-based trainee two days a week. A few months into my traineeship Cire offered me a further two days a week as a Customer Service Officer at the Yarra Junction office.
I now work between our two campuses four days a week, as well as also completing my VCAL Intermediate at the Community School one day a week. I even shared my experience at a graduation ceremony where I received some flowers for my presentation.

Thinking back to when I first became a student at Cire to where I am now is such a strange feeling, I never thought I would one day be working for the organisation and alongside the people who helped me through my schooling and through some of the most difficult times in my life.

Being part of the Cire organisation is such a rewarding feeling and I love being able to help out in our amazing community.

Cire has helped boost my confidence and change my whole outlook on the struggles of achieving an education and has shown me that no matter where we are in life, or the struggles we are facing, we can always achieve the goals we set and become someone greater than who we were yesterday.

Please call 1300 835 235 if you would like more information on Cire Community School or if you would like a tour of any of our campuses.

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

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

 

Good news for quality training

In a sector plagued by bad news, Cire Training would like to share some positive news. From January 2017, Victoria’s training and TAFE system is being overhauled through Skills First.

“Skills First – our new approach to training and TAFE – will ensure public funds are spent effectively, and that students get real training that led to real jobs” Gayle Tierney, Minister for Training and Skills

Built on the Andrews Labour Government’s commitment to the training and TAFE system, Skills First offers real training for real jobs, through:

  • High quality training that students and industry can trust
  • The opportunity to develop the required skills– and the skills employers want – for jobs today and tomorrow
  • A real voice for industry in training
  • Funding for learners who need additional support to engage with, and succeed, in education and training
  • Access to targeted, relevant training for students in regional areas

With the introduction of Skills First, Victoria – the Education State – is leading the nation to ensure quality in vocational and educational training.  Students, industry and the community can have renewed confidence in government-funded training. This new approach to funded training is designed to make sure that public funds are spent effectively, and that students get the training they need to secure a job.

Cire Training is one of over 300 quality training providers who have been offered contracts to deliver government-funded training in 2017. Contracts were offered following a rigorous selection process where providers had to show evidence of their ability to deliver quality training. Providers also had to prove their strong organisational capability and clearly demonstrate their financial viability.

Cire Training, which offers accredited, pre-accredited and workskills courses from campuses located in Yarra Junction and Mount Evelyn, has proven its ability to deliver quality community-based adult education and training in the Yarra Valley and Outer Eastern Suburbs.

Cire Training is working closely with other local Learn Locals and Swinburne University to provide industry taster programs for the community. These programs will support the local community to identify possible career paths and opportunities for training. If you are unsure about which training program is right for you, consider participating in a taster program.

Not sure about where you want to work? Not a problem, Cire Training can help you plan your career, develop a resume and apply for a job. We have a range of pre-accredited programs to support your journey.

Cire Training offer accredited courses in Early Childhood Education and Care, Education Support, Horticulture, Individual Support and Leadership and Management. If you are thinking about a career in one of these fields, Cire Training can help you get there.

To find out more about the courses offered by Cire Training, visit our website or call 1300 835 235

Learn locally – kick start your career

The following article appeared in the Mail newspaper (Education Week feature) – Tuesday 12th May 2015

Upper Yarra Community House  has recently partnered with ECOSS in Wesburn, close to both their Yarra Junction and Mount Evelyn Campuses.

This is a great opportunity for people who want to learn locally and are looking to start a career in this rewarding sector.

Both UYCH and ECOSS are committed to delivering quality training along with excellent facilities in the heart of the Yarra Valley, which is known for its outstanding produce and agriculture.

By partnering with ECOSS there will also be a strong emphasis on organic and sustainable agriculture techniques.

UYCH are one of the main providers in the outer east offering the Certificate II in Horticulture, a newly developed course that is highly regarded by industry experts.

It’s a great hands on course which will not only enrich the learning experience, but it’s a great opportunity to further promote sustainable living within our local community.

Short but informative’ Introduction to Horticulture’ courses are also being run.

Partnering with another local not for profit organisation, like ECOSS, ensures that UYCH can further enhance education opportunities for our local community.

For further information on Certificate II in Horticulture and  Introduction to Horticulture short courses click here or call 1300 835 235.

If you would like to know more about ECOSS visit www.ecoss.org.au

Practice makes perfect

Students perform health checks on a couple of four legged volunteers.

As they say practice makes perfect, and what better way to learn than to practice on the real thing? Our Certificate III Animal Studies class at Mt Evelyn got just that last week. Our Corporate Services Coordinator at the Mt Evelyn Campus bought her two kelpies into the class as real-life models for our students to perform their canine health checks. Putting into practice what they’ve been learning in theory. Hands on experience is by far the best way to learn so having animals visit not only provides real life examples it also makes the loads of fun.

Scout and Dusty (the kelpies) were bought in for the students to check their, ears, gums, teeth, body muscles and heartbeat, an all over examination. Scout was very obliging, lapping up the attention from everyone and giving the students a good idea of how to perform the health check. Dusty on the other hand wasn’t so keen on the idea of playing patient for our enthusiastic students and opted to hide out under the tables or just sit with mum until it was all over.

Here’s what some of our students had to say about the real-life assessment:

“being able to get a hands on experience of a healthy dog was engaging and educating” Casey

“it was great doing the practical assessment and being able to practice on real-life animals” Jo

If you love animals and could see yourself making a career working in the animal industry contact us today to find out more about your options. We are currently taking enrolments in the Certificate III Animal Studies for Semester 2, scheduled to commence in July.

Keeping it real – ECEC Training Dolls session

On a visit to our Mt Evelyn campus we found a lot going on in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) class. The day was all about simulation as the students were able to care for an infant during class, well not an infant in the human form, a training doll to be precise. The students were able to put themselves in real life situations as these state of the art dolls cried, slept, needed changing and got hungry just like the real thing.

Their tutor, Anja Laukart explained that over the years students were limited when it came to on hands experience with infants, so these training dolls have become an important part of the curriculum. Students learn more when they are able to practise real life scenarios and as the saying goes “Practice makes perfect”. Here is what some of the students had to say about the experience.

“The dolls felt realistic, not fake at all. One of the reasons for this is they are the same body weight as an infant, I thoroughly enjoyed the session” – Rebecca

“Having to still participate in class while looking after the doll was a challenge, but I like challenges so the session really highlighted the importance of multi skilling. I really felt like I achieved something today it was great.” – Merabel

“It was comforting just to hold the baby, whoops I meant doll.” – Megan

If you’re interested in working with children and could see yourself making a career in the Children’s Services sector, contact us today to find out more about your options. We are currently taking enrolments in both Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care for Term 2, scheduled to commence in April.