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Community Services

How to network and collaborate in community services

By Ben Madden
Ben Madden

A career in community services can be very rewarding, especially if you’re someone that is naturally drawn towards work where you’re able to positively influence the community around you. However, like any career, it can be difficult to know how to network if you’ve never done it before.

Read on to learn more about how you can successfully meet like-minded people in the community services industry, as well as how a CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services can help you progress your career!

How can I network better in the community services sector?

There are many ways you can network within the community services sector. Like any sector, it’s important to build connections with those around you, so you can be on top of any developments in the space, as well as be aware of any job opportunities that may arise.

Networking can also help you better understand the needs of your community, so when it comes time to develop new projects and plans to support those around you, you can better pinpoint what will help them the most.

Some of the ways you can network and collaborate in the community services industry include: 

  • Participate in local social and charity events, including volunteering to help out
  • Talk with stakeholders in different charities and community organisations
  • Reach out to the community to see who you can help with various tasks and responsibilities
  • Be an active member of online community groups

While it can be difficult at first to build a network in the community services space, it’s important to remember that everyone you meet has the same goal as you – support the community. However, if you’re feeling like you want a more formalised way to meet like-minded people, then completing further study is a valuable option. 

What skills can I learn from the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services?

community services worker

If you’re looking to improve your collaborative skills, as well as build on your skill set to potentially set yourself up for a career in the community services sector, then completing Upskilled’s CHC52015 – Diploma of Community Services can help you take important steps towards your goal of working in roles like as a youth worker, volunteer manager, family support worker or community support worker. 

The course is designed to provide you with specialised skills to help you succeed in the world of community services, while also providing a range of transferable skills for the myriad of work situations you’ll encounter throughout your professional life.

Throughout the CHC52015 – Diploma of Community Services, you’ll learn valuable skills such as: 

  • How to undertake and complete projects for the community
  • Manage budgets and financial plans to ensure projects are completed effectively
  • How to solve conflicts and complex problems
  • How to be culturally sensitive
  • How to implement community development strategies 

You’ll also have the chance to complete a minimum of 100 hours of community services work placement  as part of your course, and Upskilled has connections with a range of industry partners that can help facilitate your work placement.

Additionally, a part of the course includes simulating practical scenarios that can give you the confidence to take the skills you’ve learnt into your next role, and you can use these scenarios as a chance to network with other students.

While these skills are designed to help you give back to your community through working with your community, they’re also applicable in a variety of roles if you’re looking to develop your interpersonal and communication skills, as well as become more empathetic in the workplace.

Being able to show a potential employer that you’ve completed the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services is an excellent way of standing out from the crowd, as it highlights that you’re an empathetic, ethical and collaborative worker who understands the needs of those around you.

How long does it take to complete the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services?

On average, it’ll take 18-24 months to complete the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services. There are 16 units that make up the diploma, and it’s an online course. The flexibility of online learning means you can study at times that suit your lifestyle.

You’ll be part of a cohort that is as enthusiastic about supporting their community as you are, helping you to network and build connections that might just last a lifetime.

How to enrol in the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services

You can enrol in the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services at any time. You’ll need to submit an enquiry course through the Upskilled website, providing some information about yourself, as well as your current work situation.

Our education consultants will then work with you to determine whether the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services is the right fit for you, as well as talk you through your different future career options. It’s a straightforward process, and one that can have you ready to start studying in a matter of days!

Upskilled offers a range of nationally recognised qualifications that can help you climb the career ladder, or help you improve your performance in your current role. If you’re looking to chase a career in the community services sector, or you’re just looking to give back to your community, then studying Upskilled's CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services can help. 

Ben Madden
Ben Madden Ben Madden is a Melbourne-based writer, who loves all things music and sport. He’s a long-time and long-suffering Essendon supporter, and if you’re looking for any music recommendations, he’s your guy.