Twelve Indigenous cadets from ACT for Kids Workforce and Education Initiatives for Indigenous People (WEI-IP) and Allan Slaight Scholarship program have graduated in Cairns. All 12 graduated with a Certificate III and eight graduated with a Certificate IV in Community Services Work,marking the start of their careers in community services.
The ACT for Kids program provides training, mentoring and support to cadets through their Certificate III and IV in Community Services Work and work placement. ACT for Kids CEO, Dr Neil Carrington, said the program offers a unique holistic approach.
Its more than a certificate course, we recognise the need to fully equip students so they can go on and gain employment and really strengthen the community services workforce.
We combine practical on the job experience, study support, job readiness and assistance beyond graduation to ensure cadets knowledge and skills are utilised in appropriate employment. We want to ensure these skilled, passionate people are able to make a real difference in their community, Dr Carrington said.
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Recent graduate, Raymond Peeters, has become a valuable member of the ACT for Kids Referral for Active Intervention (RAI) team through the ACT for Kids Workforce and Education Initiatives for Indigenous People and Allan Slaight Scholarship. Raymonds focus is on strengthening families through counselling, parental education and referrals to other specialised services.
My future goals are to study a degree in Social Work and keep working in the RAI team at ACT for Kids. Helping and assisting families is my passion and I know I am doing something great for the families and the community in general. In the future I hope to do group counselling for Dads and Indigenous men in particular.