Certificate IV in Youth Work

Studying Certificate IV in Youth Work at the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) has driven Ms Lucy Capelle to create youth empowerment programs for the Marshallese community in Arkansas, United States of America (USA). 

Ms Capelle, who is from Marshall Islands, always had a focus on enabling youth development, having taught at the Kwajalein High School and National Vocational Training Institute and raised awareness on substance abuse through the National Youth to Youth in Health project.

In 2012, she decided to further her passion by studying with APTC. 

“At APTC, I learned to work independently, communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, and I also picked up interpersonal and counselling skills.” She also has fond memories of attending youth events with her classmates from across the Pacific. 

Since graduating from APTC, Ms Capelle has moved to Arkansas where she is now working as the Executive Director for the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM). 

In this role, she oversees all programs conducted by ACOM, which include assisting families to manage savings for children, driving license processes, facilitating legal support for adoption and medical care assistance through the workplace. She also coordinates the diabetes prevention program and facilitates research alongside universities. 

“The best thing about my current job is the opportunity to engage with my community and help them through all these programs.” 

Ms Capelle says she is using her APTC skills to carry out her responsibilities. 

“I work autonomously and aim for high quality service and standard in the workplace. Just like at APTC, I do my tasks and assignments promptly and with integrity and strive to be a positive role model and mentor for people around me.” 

She added that being empathetic and supporting the people she works with daily and developing strong professional relationships, has helped her greatly.  

Ms Capelle, who says her family and community are her biggest motivation, plans to graduate soon with her Master’s degree. 

“APTC has contributed a lot to where I am today. Thank you, APTC for all the skills you’ve taught me and my trainers for their dedication and mentorship.”