Pictured above: TAFE Pimlico campus
The use of mental health services is on the rise in Australia and TAFE Queensland is providing training to meet the demand for more mental health support workers.
Locals can enrol in a Certificate IV in Mental Health at the TAFE Queensland Pimlico campus and study through a combination of face-to-face lessons and online classes, starting in January.
The launch of the year-long course follows the release of a national study of mental health and wellbeing which found over two in five Australians have experienced mental health problems at some point in their life.
TAFE Queensland (north region) Community and Health Faculty Manager Maree Butler said the training could upskill existing healthcare workers or help people start a career in mental health.
“The Certificate IV in Mental Health will equip students with the training they need to support people experiencing mental illness and psychiatric disability,” Ms Butler said.
“The course will cover a range of topics including how to promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing, as well as how to provide recovery-oriented services and work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“Importantly, students will also learn how to implement trauma-informed care which is critical for connecting with and providing effective services to help clients improve their quality of life,” she said.
North Queenslanders interested in working with young people in the community can enrol in another new course starting in January, a Certificate IV in Youth Work.
According to the 2022 National Priority Skills List, there is an Australia-wide shortage of qualified youth workers.
“The Certificate IV in Youth Work will help locals gain the skills they need to work with children and young people in a number of settings including education facilities, neighbourhood centres, residential care and migrant support services,” Ms Butler said.
“The training is delivered online via a virtual classroom and this course is also available to study as a traineeship, which allows people to work and learn at the same time.
“TAFE Queensland students learn from industry experienced teachers who are passionate about passing on their sector experience, knowledge and skills,” she said.
Eligible students can access funding to help subsidise the cost of their training. To learn more about TAFE Queensland courses and training, visit your nearest campus, log onto www.tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233.