*Photo: Damien Tudehope and Theresa Collignon speak to a student enrolled in MCC's English for Job Seekers course.
Local Member for Epping, Damien Tudehope, visited Macquarie Community College last month to see us in action. He had the chance to meet and speak with a wide range of local students enrolled in English classes and career training courses.
“I was pleased to be invited to visit the college and to see the important contribution being made to education in our community,” said Mr Tudehope. He showed particular interest in childcare training, having owned a chain of daycare centres in the past.
MCC CEO, Theresa Collignon, noted that “MCC is playing a role in skilling up people looking for work in industries with critical workforce shortages such as childcare, aged care, disability and home care”.
MCC is especially adept at helping the long term unemployed and those who are from non-English speaking backgrounds to gain job readiness skills.Students come from all corners of the community and from all over the world. In keeping with the College’s approach, men and women of all cultures and backgrounds sit together and learn as equals.
MCC committed to providing quality training
Mr Tudehope heard firsthand from English teacher Fiona Oates about her Advanced Foundation Skills class, comprised of students studying English for work and study. She shared how the College is committed to providing quality training with an ethical, caring and professional approach.All of her students feel welcome, supported and respected, no matter what their background, ability or ambition.
“We have highly motivated learners with low English skills but not low work skills,” says Ms Collignon. “We unofficially call ourselves the ‘self-esteem factory’, where students always leave feeling much better. Our long-serving staff are highly experienced and develop real relationships with their students.”
Macquarie Community College has a strong commitment to the people of western Sydney. Students from non-English Speaking backgrounds find this a safe and supportive learning community, the helping hand they need for training, greater independence and community participation.
Students with little English begin their journey to study and employment with English courses tailored to their level of English acquisition. They then commence an accredited vocational training course for Australian industries with real, long-term work opportunities such as aged care or child care. English language support is available through tailored, industry-specific English language programs that run parallel with vocational training.
Students gain experience in an Australian workplace, develop greater confidence in emerging skills and meet potential employers through the work placement requirements for each course. Drawing on the College’s network of longstanding relationships with local employers, work placement aids in their transition to long-term employment.
The College is a proud provider under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program. This enables eligible participants to access Government subsidised training for part and full qualifications, improve skills, and gain access to employment and career advancement.
Interested in starting a course at Macquarie Community College? You won’t regret it! Call us today on 1300 845 888 to discuss whether you qualify for Smart and Skilled subsidised training, check out our courses, or send us an enquiry.
Read more about how Macquarie Community College is helping students achieve their career dreams:
- English for Work and Study – Read Gary’s story
- Career Pathways in Aged Care – Read Olga and Aziza’s story
- Changing your life with basic computer skills
- Finding my career in aged care – Read Joan’s story