South Coast Careers College is celebrating 35 years evolving from a small community college offering macramé and casserole making to present day as one of the South Coast’s leading registered training organisations delivering qualification courses across multiple industry areas. The Colleges CEO Sarah Watterson explains "As a not for profit community college; the focus is to engage all community members into lifelong learning. Lifelong learning is the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skills for either personal or professional reasons." ‘Lifelong learning is essential not only for individuals but also community development and wellbeing. Vocational education and training is the backbone of the Australian economy and by virtue has to have direct links to employment opportunities. Making our program offerings relevant to the local communities we service is essential, on top of that we need to ensure education is affordable and also attainable." The College is able to access a host of funding options, many of which offer fee free places if eligibility is met. This has given them the flexibility to offer a range of programs which directly meet community need. Sarah goes on to say "The College goes to great lengths to ensure that investment of government funding gains the best return. All courses are delivered face to face in a classroom, the programs are linked to local employment opportunities and work placement is secured for all participants, resources and equipment are provided and all students get access to additional support throughout their learning experience. ‘Our model of only delivering qualification courses in a face to face classroom environment doesn’t make us exceptionally competitive in the market place, however, unlike online learning where completion rates are below 15% our completion rates are in excess of 85%. Training has to be about the student experience and ensuring the best possible outcome for the individual – completing your course is the best outcome.’ ‘I truly believe that education is a great tool for change – it brings about opportunity, develops confidence, builds work ethic and socialisation and most importantly is an investment in YOU.’ With a campus in Ulladulla, Batemans Bay and Merimbula South Coast Careers College is able to assist members of the community in realising an occupational dream either through providing the skills to enter the workforce, retain your current position or pursue progression in your chosen career. For more information visit www.southcoastcolleges.edu.au or call 4455 7008
