Case Study: A CINEC (Sri Lanka) qualification provides a pathway to an Australian allied health degree

Zainab Sheriff was among the first cohort of students who graduated from our CINEC courses in early 2023. She completed the dual Certificate III in Individual Support and the Certificate IV in Disability, and also gained a Certificate III in Aged Care.

Taking advantage of the pathway offered at Chisholm, she moved to Australia and commenced a Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs in 2024.

“Looking after my grandmother in Sri Lanka made me realise that a caring profession was for me, so I chose to enrol at CINEC,” said Zainab.

“I found my studies to be incredibly enriching. I learned a lot at CINEC and during the 240 hours of placements I undertook as part of my course – two involved home care and one was at a hospital. This very positive experience confirmed my choice of career.”

“The fact that studying at CINEC offered a pathway to higher education study at Chisholm in Melbourne was also important to me,” she added.

Today, Zainab is busy with her studies in Melbourne, working in aged care and enjoying life.

“Having my Chisholm qualification from CINEC meant it was easy to find a part time job in Melbourne. I’m really happy with my degree course and I’m learning so much,” she added.

“While study is different to Sri Lanka, my lecturers and the faculty are great. They always answer my questions promptly. Library staff are always very helpful too and I can access the library online. Also, sharing lived experience with the other students in class adds to my knowledge.”

“Over the coming months I’ll do my first placement here. I’m a bit nervous but I know that Chisholm placement officers will be there to provide support whenever I need it.”

“In the future I want to be a Clinical Care Coordinator. And I know that my Chisholm degree will get me there.”