They say you’re never too old to learn. At Duke, we agree with them… whoever they are.

64-year-old Suzette M. from Western Australia is an awesome example of this.

She’s making strides in the first semester of her CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services course here at Duke, and she couldn’t be keener to start Semester 2. 

Suzette Bounces Back

Suzette was hit particularly hard during COVID.

First, she lost her job doing business admin for a social group.

If that blow wasn’t enough, she had to quit her childcare job after one of her elderly parents fell ill, requiring her to become a full-time carer.

After a little while out of work, Suzette was eager to get back into the workforce and try something new.

Suzette’s Care for Caring

After her employment service provider opened her eyes to community work, Suzette was sold. 

She enrolled at Duke and has been on a roll ever since.

“It’s been really good. Really informative and usable.”

Even for someone as experienced as Suzette, the course content offers fresh and engaging material, she says.

“There’s a lot of extra information that I’ve actually been able to put to really good use.”

What Suzette Loves About Learning Online

Research by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) shows that 80% of older people find that technology is changing so fast that it’s hard to keep up with. 

Suzette’s success in Duke’s online study format proves otherwise. 

“I found that being able to do it online at my own pace really suited me.”

“It’s my body that can’t work – my brain is fine!” she jokes. 

That being said, her last experience with online learning wasn’t so peachy. 

“The last time I studied online, the course was confusing, and the staff weren’t very responsive when I needed help.”

Her experience at Duke has been the total opposite.

“I’ve felt that I could find the information I need on my own, especially with the learner guide that’s attached to every session. That was super useful.”

Putting Her Learning Into Practice

Suzette is already putting her newly learned skills into practice. 

“My brother-in-law has early-onset dementia, and I’ve been able to advocate for him using aged-care terminology, which has helped a lot.”

Suzette is set on becoming a carer once she’s finished her Cert III.

“I’d certainly like to have a job in the industry, whether it be in the public or private sector.”

Her advice for others tossing up studying at Duke? Enrol!

“The format is easy to follow. The trainers are friendly and don’t talk down to you, yet they meet you at your level. The assessment feedback is good, too. It’s just good learning.”