Many mature-age students find a new career path via Chisholm Institute of TAFE and use their broad life experiences to contribute to the community.

As a more senior student, Dale Carroll refused to let age define him.

He already held multiple degrees and had gained vast industry experiences but decided to return to study to dedicate himself to helping young children. Dale’s experience in community and volunteer work has already helped him to support many local vulnerable people and he knows first-hand, the benefits of having just one person believe in them and help them through life.

When Dale started his Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, he found the return to study a challenge. The IT system, new study methods and online content were quite new to him, so he developed his own study techniques and timetable to help him cope.

In the classroom, other students were inspired by Dale’s experience and approach to life. It was also Dale’s life experiences and ability to get on with everyone that helped him to gel with his classmates. He was pleasantly surprised to be selected as a finalist in the Trainee of the Year category of the 2024 Chisholm Education Awards.

In his personal life, Dale is a mentor coach at his church, working with vulnerable adults and children. He has also worked in youth and family service agencies, church councils, parent education courses, supported accommodation programs, community volunteer agencies and labour market programs.

He is currently a volunteer with Kids Church at Bayview Church of Christ, Rosebud and is also a COACH (Creating Opportunities and Casting Hope)mentor, assisting children at Eastbourne Primary School. His life focus remains on helping the community, families and young children to develop confidence, knowledge and plans to continue to learn and grow, while continuing to serve his community.

Dale encourages people to give further education a go.

“Accept the challenge mate, go for it; you will be pleasantly surprised, give it a go,” he said.

“Don’t be flustered by the peripheral info, have a goal and stick to it.”

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