This article is republished from the NSW Department of Education.
Josiah’s time at Macquarie Community College has given him not only a qualification, but critical support that has changed the way he approaches learning.
Josiah enrolled in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) after he left school before the end of year 12.
When written assessments became a barrier for Josiah, the team at the Epping campus adapted the way he could learn and demonstrate his skills.
Literacy and learning support officer Fiona Oates and his trainer, Vanessa, worked with Josiah, introducing oral responses, assistive technology, small group discussions and quieter learning spaces.
Fiona also met Josiah during his workplace placements to help him organise his experiences and complete his substantial portfolios.
“I think I generally communicate better, and I feel more comfortable applying for jobs now that I have a qualification in the field I want to work in,” Josiah said.
“The support has helped me find different ways to approach reading, writing and assessments.
“I’m more confident about working through challenges and asking for what I need.”
At the Mount Druitt campus, Steven, 19, is building literacy and digital skills to help him find work and pursue his interest in hospitality.
Steven also left school early and was referred to the college by his employment provider. Returning to a classroom felt daunting, so he began with individual tuition.
Working with Fiona, Steven has strengthened his reading and spelling, learned to recognise key words and developed practical skills such as writing text messages and emails.
When Steven asked for more learning time, the college extended his two weekly tuition sessions, avoiding the cost of travelling to campus on another day. He has recently exchanged one of these individual sessions for a class.
Steven still experiences some anxiety in the class environment but credits the individual sessions with giving him the confidence he needed to begin learning with other people.
He encourages other young people to take up the opportunity to build their reading and writing skills and not put it off.
“I was nervous about learning again, but the individual lessons helped me feel comfortable,” Steven said. “Now I can see that I’m improving, and I want to keep going so I can get a job, hopefully in the hospitality industry,”
Steven has completed seven nationally accredited units in literacy, numeracy and digital skills. These units have been individually tailored to meet the gaps he has in his skills and to support his desire to find a job.
Fiona has worked at Macquarie Community College since 2007, primarily teaching learners for whom English is an additional language.
Earlier this year, she shifted her focus to English-speaking adults with literacy gaps.
The NSW Department of Education enabled her to undertake the Adult Literacy and Numeracy Teaching Training Program delivered by TAFE as specialist professional development for the new role.
“I first realised Josiah’s confidence was growing when he began responding to text messages and emails and when he began taking responsibility for his own learning,” Fiona said.
“Josiah and Steven need different approaches, but both are beginning to see themselves as capable learners. The most rewarding change is seeing them recognise their own progress and become ready to take the next step.”
NSW Department of Education Skills and Workforce Programs executive director Suzie Matthews, said community colleges used their local knowledge and flexibility to tailor learning to individual needs.
“Community colleges meet people where they are and provide practical support to help them build confidence, overcome barriers and take their next step towards further learning and work,” she said.
“Josiah and Steven’s progress shows the difference that tailored support can make.”
