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When studying for your future career, hands on learning and work placements are invaluable. Not only do they help you get a feel for your future workplace, but they also allow you to build professional experience.
TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) incorporates practical knowledge and real-life experiences into their courses, so students graduate with all the skills they need for success.
Keloha Vakasilimi – currently completing a CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services at the South Metropolitan Murdoch campus – is the perfect example of where hands on learning has prepared her to meet her future goals.
We spoke to Keloha about her experiences inside and outside the classroom, and how they’ve shaped her career aspirations.
Why Perth?
Keloha, originally from Fiji, moved to Australia during high school. After graduation, she did some travelling to see more of the world, then returned to continue her studies.
“I came to Australia to expand my knowledge,” she says.
With her family owning a business nearby in southern WA, Perth was the perfect choice for Keloha, but her love of the city has only grown from there.
“The best thing about Perth is the people,” she explains. “They have a very laid-back lifestyle compared to people in bigger cities. I have lived in bigger cities, and I didn’t like it.”
Keloha says the city’s thriving cultural scene, temperate weather and high levels of safety are other reasons Perth is such a popular destination for international students.
“Safety is important for students, as you do not want to feel stressed when you are out,” she explains.
Improving the community
Throughout her studies at Murdoch campus, Keloha has experienced significant personal growth and learning.
“Choosing to study community services has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling decisions that I have ever made,” she shares. “My aim is to improve people’s lives and the community as a whole.”
Of the many units she studied throughout her course, Keloha says she particularly enjoyed learning about culture and diversity and case management. With such a multicultural student community, TIWA is the perfect place to develop these skills. Plus, with Western Australia’s international population (32.2 per cent of WA’s population were born overseas – higher than the national average!(opens in a new tab)), the ability to understand different cultures and backgrounds is of vital importance.
Valuable work experience
In addition to enjoying her classes, Keloha has found her work placement experiences to be both educational and emotionally fulfilling. Undertaking placements at a range of different organisations has ensured that Keloha has been exposed to a range of environments where she could transform her learning into practice.
At her first placement last year, she worked with Cahoots(opens in a new tab), an organisation that supports children with a range of ability levels. Not only was she able to complete her required hours, but she was even offered a job after her placement.
“They often look for staff from their volunteers,” Keloha explains. “It was fulfilling and satisfying work.”
This semester, she has been placed at the non-profit organisation On My Feet(opens in a new tab).
Post-graduation plans
With her graduation coming up in July next year, Keloha has drawn on her placement experience to decide where she’ll go next.
“My goal is to work with people in communities and provide support and guidance, particularly for people with mental illness,” she shares.
“I want to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, promote understanding of mental illness in the community and advocate for considering the person as a whole.”
Keloha feels that TIWA has prepared her to reach her career goals in many ways.
“I am already in the industry thanks to my placement from TIWA, so I know what it is like and have exposure to the field,” she says. “My coursework has also taught me important lessons in how to advocate for other people and the importance of health, wellbeing and disability support.”
Overall, Keloha’s time at TIWA has helped shape her views and grow her understanding of how to create a more sustainable and compassionate future for the community.
Key takeaways
To other international students thinking of studying at TIWA, Keloha has some great advice to share.
“Follow your heart,” she says first, encapsulating her experience of pursuing a career inspired by her passion for building a better, kinder world.
She also recommends students ask for help if they need it, as TIWA offers a huge range of support services for international students.
Finally, she advises getting out and about to discover your new city. “Explore the cultural things you can find. If you immerse yourself in the culture and make the most of it, then you will have the best experience.”
If you want to learn more about where TIWA can take you, check out the courses available to international students!