Clare Watts – Vocational Education Trainer and Assessor
Clare Watts is a passionate Trainer and Assessor at Yarraville Community Centre (YCC). Clare believes that empathy is the key to effective teaching. She has been teaching the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support for seven years and more recently at YCC. Clare’s key objective is to give her learners skills in tolerance and understanding of others, to allow them to be empathetic and relate to people of varied ages and cultural backgrounds. “Part of our formal education should be training in empathy. Just imagine how different the world would be” she says.
Clare’s learners were surprised to learn the importance of personal skills during their studies. As a result, they feel confident that they have acquired the skills and knowledge needed to respond to their student’s emotional, social and academic needs.
Education Support Workers and Teachers’ Aides are currently in high demand. Australia is facing an ‘unprecedented’ teacher shortage in the next few years, and Education Support Workers are desperately needed to assist students and teachers returning to the classroom after the pandemic. Since Clare’s time working at YCC, 70% of her learners have gone on to find jobs. Often they start working as soon as they complete their course. With excellent job security and a plenitude of vacancies in this field, now makes a great time to consider working as an Education Support Worker.
The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support is offered at YCC twice a year. Contact Melissa Giffard for more information about upcoming course commencement dates on 03 9687 1560 or
Education_Manager@ycc.net.au.
Heather Naylor – Qualified teacher specialising in Adult Migrant English
Heather Naylor has a distinguished teaching career with over thirty years’ experience specialising as an adult migrant English teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Post Graduate Diploma of Education as well as a Post Graduate Diploma of Careers Education, and is now the Foundation Coordinator at YCC where she is responsible for curriculum and delivery of the accredited English Language programs.
Her areas of interest are her work with migrants to Australia and her commitment to serving her community. Heather believes that developing language skills allows migrants to progress along their job path, increase employability, and increase opportunities to participate in the Australian community. Heather has met many very talented migrants who have achieved some incredible things in their own countries and in Australia.
Students at Yarraville Community Centre are considered ‘family’ and are always welcomed and accepted. “I have a rewarding role at YCC as I am part of something very real, and we service the needs of many diverse people in our community, which aligns with my values,” she says.
Baileigh Skinner, an exceptional young Australian empowering young people in the community
Meet Baileigh, born and raised in Yarraville, they are a community-minded and driven young leader who is supporting their community selflessly. Baileigh’s interest in empowering young people to thrive is shown in their commitment to studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at La Trobe University. As a mentor for young people, Baileigh volunteers at YCC as the Social Facilitator working with a number of people to meet their needs. Baileigh was instrumental in providing safe places for young LGTBQIA2S+ community members to meet and help reduce social isolation and loneliness. “I am so proud to be part of such a strong community. Giving back to the place you call home helps to unite the community and bridge some of the social, economic and political gaps”, says Baileigh.
Baileigh also volunteers time at YCC to help people living with mild intellectual disabilities where they meet weekly to work together on their reading, writing, and maths skills as well as giving them an opportunity to socially interact. Alongside all of this, you’ll find Baileigh playing down at Shorten Reserve most weekends with the West Footscray Roosters who recently made it to the finals of the Western Region Football League (WRFL). The WRFL is just one of many Victorian leagues offering women and non-binary people a space to engage in sport. “Many of us are only just realising the opportunity we have to pick up a Sherrin and get involved in their local club. It’s fun and people from all walks of life are brought together by the love of the game.”
Eventually Baileigh wants to continue studying with the aim of gaining a Masters of Counselling as well as continuing to raise awareness and advocate for young people to help them turn their ideas and experiences into reality.
Donating your time to support those around you is extremely beneficial, both for you and your community. YCC has a number of volunteer opportunities that fit a range of interests and abilities. Even if you only donate a few hours of time each month, you will be making a huge difference in the lives of others. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact YCC on 03 9687 1560 or via email info@ycc.net.au. Visit ycc.net.au.
