For Tahnee, studying Community Services became much more than gaining a qualification. It helped her rebuild confidence, find stability and create a new direction for her future.

A proud Aboriginal woman, Tahnee completed her Certificate III and Certificate IV in Community Services through traineeships with her employer, Rural Outreach and Support Service, while studying with Community College Northern Inland (CCNI).

She decided to continue into the Certificate IV because she wanted to strengthen the skills and knowledge she was already using in her role.

“I chose to continue from Certificate III to Certificate IV in Community Services to further develop my skills and knowledge in my current role,” she said. “The course is relevant to my work and is helping me build confidence and a deeper understanding of the industry.”

That confidence has continued to grow throughout her studies.

"My confidence has increased significantly since starting my studies. I feel more capable in my role, more knowledgeable in my decision-making, and more confident when supporting clients and communicating with colleagues.”

Studying while working full-time has also played an important part in her professional development.

“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge that I didn’t previously have, and it has directly helped me perform more effectively and confidently in my current role.”

Tahnee says the combination of study and workplace experience has given her the best of both worlds.

“Studying provides the theory and framework, while working in the field shows how it actually applies in real situations,” she said. “Being in the workplace allows me to see first-hand how the knowledge comes across in practice and how to adapt it to real clients and scenarios.”

One of the most difficult periods of Tahnee’s journey came while she was completing her Certificate III, when she experienced homelessness. Rather than giving up on her studies, she continued moving forward.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced during Certificate III was experiencing homelessness. That was a very difficult time for me. Moving forward into Certificate IV and gaining employment has really helped me rebuild stability in my own life. It has given me purpose, confidence, and a positive direction for my future.”

Today, Tahnee is a valued member of the Rural Outreach and Support Service team, where she draws on both her professional training and her own lived experience to support others in the community.

She credits both her employer and CCNI with helping her succeed.

“My employer encouraged me to apply, assisted with the enrolment process, and supported me in attending and completing my studies,” she said.

“My experience as a trainee here at the community college has been very positive. I really liked it. The teachers were great—very supportive and accepting, especially when I was quiet at the start. They encouraged me and helped me grow into the confident person I am today.”

Looking back, Tahnee says patience has been the most valuable lesson she has learned.

“It has helped me better understand individual needs, respond more calmly in challenging situations, and provide more supportive and respectful care. It’s important to have patience and empathy, as these qualities are essential when working with clients.”