Kim Billiau thought she was "too old and not smart enough" to study for the course which has transformed her life for the better.
As employees at a Boonah aged care home, Kim and her friend Susan Eugarde worked together in the kitchen and laundry and did cleaning duties. Prior to that, both did factory work.
After completing a fee-free Certificate III in Individual Support course at Carinity Fassifern Community Centre in Boonah, they are enjoying their career change as qualified carers.
"I always did factory work or any work I could get. I never thought I was smart enough to do anything else," Kim said.
"Both of us had talked about doing the course before and we just decided that we would jump on together. I'm so glad I did. I should have done it years ago.
"I like the interactions I have with the aged care residents. I like being able to spend more time with them, looking after them and helping them with the things they can no longer do."
Kim and Susan were two of the oldest graduates of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work course, hosted by Carinity Fassifern Community Centre and designed for recent school leavers and mature-age students.
Upon completion of the course, which includes vocational placement, graduates are qualified to work in the aged care and disability support sectors.
More than 20 graduates, aged between 18 and 65 years, recently celebrated the completion of their life-changing studies.
Two of the youngest graduates, Samantha Goulding (19) and Jacinta Sillis (21), both worked at their local supermarket after finishing high school and now work in aged care.
Another graduate, 21-year-old Montana Post, didn't have any qualifications and "wasn't doing much" in hospitality jobs.
"I always had an urge to care for people and wanted to get out there and do that. I just had to take the first step," she said.
"I now work as a disability support worker. I go to clients' houses and support them in-home and we go to community outings. It's really rewarding and enjoyable."
Carinity also recently commenced offering Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care courses.
To enrol or register your interest for upcoming fee-free Certificate III courses - at Carinity Fassifern Community Centre and Carinity Illoura in Beaudesert - visit the Carinity training website.
