For many migrants, leaving their home country means starting over. It’s about more than finding a home — it’s also about rebuilding a career and future. Unfortunately, this challenge is familiar to many migrants.
Macquarie Community College programs are designed to help people take that first or next step. Loris Youssef is one such student who overcame obstacles and found the strength to build a new career from scratch.
Finding a New Path in Australia
Loris arrived in Australia in 2022 after facing difficult circumstances that forced her to leave Syria. Back home, she worked as a mechanical engineer. However, in Australia, she needed to start fresh and choose a new career path.
Loris started volunteering, helping vulnerable people in her community. As a result, she became inspired to work in aged care after supporting family and friends.
Helping Loris to Take the First Step
Loris began her aged care journey with the ‘’Entry into Care Role Skillset’’ being delivered by Macquarie Community College in partnership with Settlement Services International.
Studying wasn’t easy for Loris. English was not her first language, and she didn’t have a computer to complete her assignments. But with the support of Macquarie Community College trainers — Leila Kaawi, Karen Hogan, and Heather Hill — Loris gained the confidence and skills she needed to move forward.
“My trainers were very helpful! I do appreciate all of them for their standing by me”.
Heather Hill, Lead Trainer of the Community Services Program, recalls the challenges Loris faced at the beginning of her studies:
“At Macquarie Community College, we support every student on their learning journey. Starting a new course can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with the program’s requirements. Our team is here to guide and support them every step of the way.”
Building a Future in Aged Care
The NSW Government’s Adult and Community Education (ACE) Program provides affordable, local training and education to NSW communities. Under the ACE program, participants, employers, delivery partners and providers and the government collaborate to improve learning outcomes for learners and meet community training needs.
Through the ACE Program funding, Loris was eligible to study the Entry into Care Role Skillset. This enabled Loris to pathway to the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) under the NSW Smart and Skilled funding. Loris successfully completed her Cert III gaining the essential skills and knowledge needed to provide quality care for seniors and people living with disabilities.
“I am committed to providing excellent and professional care for the elderly people,” says Loris.
Beyond training, Macquarie Community College also supported Loris in preparing for employment. Program manager and tutors helped her craft a resume and cover letter, navigate job searches, and practice interview skills. With this guidance, Loris has already applied for several positions and feels optimistic about securing a role soon.
Heather Hill, Lead Trainer of the Community Services Program, highlights the importance of this support:
“At Macquarie Community College, we don’t just provide training — we help our students take the next step into the workforce. From building confidence to preparing for job applications and interviews, we ensure they feel ready to succeed in their chosen field.”
At the start of 2025, Loris enrolled in the CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support, continuing her journey of learning and growth and being ready to work in aged care sector.
“MCC gave me the opportunity to start again. The support I received made a huge difference,” Loris says.
At Macquarie Community College, we are proud to support students like Loris in achieving their goals and making a positive impact in the community. Our team wishes Loris all the best on her journey. We are confident that Australia’s aged care sector has gained another dedicated professional passionate about caring for others.