An unsuspecting local player performing a key role in the further education of adults for amplified career opportunities opened its doors to the public on Tuesday.
SMYL Community College’s Armadale campus held an open day which encouraged people to view the learning spaces and apply for further education.
SMYL offers certificates in both business and workplace skills, and in General Education for Adults through the free, Government funded initiative Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program.
Armadale campus team member Sarala said the free program is a “really good initiative” which helps participants develop their numeracy, reading, writing, communication and digital skills.
“This is now aligned with their employment so it’s helping them get employment and develop their skills,” she said.
“Previously it was to help people integrate into the Australian Society, so the focus was mostly towards people who were coming in as asylum seekers or refugees, or people who have just migrated to the country.
“Then they found there were lots of Australians who worked in another industry, like the fishing industry or trading industry, and today they want to move to another course, but they suddenly can’t because their writing skills are not so good.”
While migrants are also offered admission into the SEE project, disengaged youth and adults struggling to find jobs or enter university also have the opportunity to complete the course.
“They may come in with some idea in the beginning of what they want to do but later on their ideas change,” Sarala said.
“Initially we had a person come in with an idea of doing cleaning jobs because that’s what she was used to. Then suddenly, she saw there were bigger opportunities for her if she improved her digital skills, and she went on to work as a medical receptionist.
“She works during school hours so she can take her of her kids, and she sometimes also works weekends so she gets paid more.”
Sarala said people becoming involved in the course also allowed them to become connected to the community and gave them a purpose.
“It keeps their mind engaged, and it also gives them hope they can still find a job,” she said.
“It gives them a purpose in life and at the same time they’re learning.
“I have seen personal improvement in one person particularly who has come in not even showered. After two weeks, he started noticing people around him and then he came in and I noticed he was taking care of himself.
“Personal grooming was a big step for that person, and now they’re engaged with others and that’s the most beautiful part.”
The students have also undertaken practical projects to help with their theory learning, making products as a group to sell to the public.
SEE student Katie McGinty said she has learnt many different skills after being involved in different programs with SMYL and being part of last year’s business group.
“You’re encouraged to learn by hands on experience,” she said.
“We made all the body products, and we had to come up with a logo, figure out a name, a style guide and a code of conduct.
“It was basically a whole business with a whole business plan and then we had an open day and even sold our products to people around the area.
“I loved it.”
One student’s dad who attended the open day smiled for the first time since his wife passed away months ago, sharing the joy of education with his son.
Many smiles were shared on Tuesday as the proud students showed off their work to the community.
