A FORMER stay-at-home mum and a whale watching tour guide are among 25 people to graduate from training courses at Minjerribah Ganaba, a service to upskill members of the North Stradbroke Island community.
Minjerribah Ganaba, meaning a place to hear, think and understand, is a service on the island aimed at training and assisting the community to find the career they want.
The graduates, who were mainly Quandamooka Traditional Owners, had completed business or tourism courses.
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello said he hoped Stradbroke could become a regional First Nations training hub.
Karmilla Hogerheyde, a QYAC employee who completed her Certificate III in Business, said she had wanted to broaden her skills after being a stay-at-home mum for nine years.
Meanwhile, Tallulah Mewett, a guide on QYAC's new whale watching tours, said her business course had helped her gain more confidence as she looked to move into the field of archaeology.
Mr Costello said each student had chosen a pathway to personal success and achievement.
Thirteen new students have so far been enrolled for 2020.
"This will be a regional First Nations innovation and education hub that will deliver pathways for students from Minjerribah but also from the mainland and elsewhere," Mr Costello said.
Launched in late 2018, Minjerribah Ganaba works with the state government's Employment Department and the University of Queensland.
Training Minister Shannon Fentiman congratulated the students as they accepted their certificates.
"It's never too late to take on education and training," Ms Fentiman said.
"I encourage everyone to always take advantage of every opportunity continue their education, learn new things or get a VET qualification."
