TAFE NSW Lithgow has moved to help address the shortage of social housing and community service workers by offering three new courses to the community through a mixture of flexible online study and face-to-face workshops. 

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Kate Baxter, said, “The health, wellbeing and community services industry is forecast to have the biggest employment increase in Western NSW over the next three yearsi. 

“The Certificate IV in Social Housing, Certificate IV and Diploma of Community Services are nationally recognised courses that will equip students with the skills that they need to be employed to deliver social housing and a range of services to the community.  

“TAFE NSW are committed to providing regional places like Lithgow with opportunities to upskill with experienced industry professionals.” 

The new courses are not only aimed at current employees who want to progress their career in the social housing and community services industry, but also community members who are interested in starting a new career. 

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Community Services, Scott Sears, said the courses will commence in August and provide an ideal pathway to employment or career progression. 

“Successful completion of these courses can lead to crucial community service roles such as a client services officer, youth case worker, mental health support worker or an alcohol and other drugs worker – just to name a few. 

“It doesn’t matter where people are living in the region, they will now have the opportunity to learn from a range of experienced teachers and industry experts at TAFE NSW. Students will get the job-ready skills they need by accessing a mixture of flexible online study, face-to-face workshops, and work experience at a range of regional service partners,” Mr Sears said. 

To find out more about the Certificate IV in Social Housing, Certificate IV in Community Services or the Diploma in Community Services for semester 2, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601. 

Media contact: Emma Curtis, Media and Communications Business Partner, (02) 6338 2509 or 0427 901 515.  

i. TAFE NSW Regional Strategy report. Health, Wellbeing and Community Services.