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Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs - plus Community Services CHC53215
Training provided by Partners in Training Australia, RTO 21837.
Course Overview
Thank you for your interest in the CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs with Partners in Training Australia (RTO 21837). We're excited to have you join us! Let's dive into the exciting details and advantages of enroling in the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs. Additionally, we'll explore the opportunity to obtain a CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services on top of your Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs, simply by completing just five additional units. This dual qualification will be a unique opportunity you cannot miss out on!
The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs reflects the role of workers who work under broad supervision and guidance and provide services to clients with alcohol and other drugs issues. They can provide counselling, referral and promotion services. These workers require high level specialist knowledge, skills and competencies especially in regard to laws affecting clients, the range of services available to them and health issues related to alcohol and drugs use and misuse.
This nationally recognised qualification requires 180 hours of placement. During your work placement, you will find a role within a community services environment and work with an approved supervisor to gain real-life skills that could help you step directly into the workforce.
Please note you will not be studying through Fresh Futures Australia but Partners in Training Australia a Nationally Recognised Registered Training Organisation.
Course Essentials
Qualification Code: CHC53215
Qualification Name: Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
Recognition: Nationally recognised - meets Australian Qualifications Framework.
Study mode: Classroom-based
Class time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Duration: Approximately 15 months
Assessment: Knowledge evidence, direct demonstration and observation, portfolios, projects, role plays, case studies and presentations.
Practical Placement Hours: Minimum 180 hours
Admin Fee: $110 (Upfront & non-refundable)
Tuition Fee if eligible for Government funding: $300 (no concession) or $0 (for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students)
Requirements
Interested in this course? Here's what you need to know before diving in:
Education: There are no formal education entry requirements for this course. However, students will be expected to undertake study for unit HLTAID011 Provide First Aid at another education provider if they do not hold this unit.
Minimum Age: This course is only open to those aged 18 and above.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy: Partners in Training Australia want to make sure this course is the perfect fit for you, so they’ll assess your language, literacy, and numeracy skills before enrolment.
Enrolment Application & Pre-Training Review: Ready to take the first step with Partners in Training Australia? You can enrol and do your pre-training review face-to-face by attending one of their onsite Information Sessions or online via Zoom. Easy peasy!
Equipment: You will use Cloud Assess, an online cloud-based platform to access all course materials and submit assessments. Therefore, you'll need a trusty laptop or iPad with internet connectivity to complete research, course assessments, and to check your emails from Partners in Training Australia. It is also compulsory to bring your laptop or iPad to class as Partners in Training Australia is transitioning to a more digital approach, reducing reliance on paper-based materials.
Police Check and Working With Children's Check: Safety is a top priority, which is why these checks are needed before you can start your practical placement. Let's make sure everyone feels secure and comfortable.
Potential job titles:
Typical employers of community workers:
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Mental Health Support Worker
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Case Worker (Community Services)
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Drug and Alcohol Community Support Worker
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Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker
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Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
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Mental Health Outreach Worker
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Outreach Officer (Alcohol and Other Drugs)
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Assistant Community Health Worker
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Organisations concerned with particular groups (women, travellers, new communities)
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Organisations concerned with issues (unemployment, migrant rights, drugs, poverty)
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Community development groups
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Outreach & homeless facilities, houses, kitchens
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Welfare agencies
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Private businesses
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Adult service units
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Community Engagement Committees
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Community Corrections Offices
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The Salvation Army
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Education Departments
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Triple Zero Emergency Call-Takers
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Police Academy (This course is not an entry requirement)
Responsibilities
As an Alcohol and Drugs Worker some tasks you could perform throughout your day can include:
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Outreach work - Visiting substance users and helping with immediate needs.
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Drop-in centre work - Talking to clients about their needs and finding ways of supporting them towards recovery.
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Counselling and rehabilitation - Giving support and dealing with the causes of substance misuse.
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Arrest referral work - Supporting clients arrested for drug-related offences.
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Education and training - Helping clients access services.
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Healthcare - Working as a specialist nurse in an addiction clinic.
Skills and Interests
As an Alcohol and Drugs Worker some personal attributes should be:
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Empathy and a calm, caring approach.
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An understanding of substance misuse issues and their impact on people.
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A non-judgemental attitude.
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The ability to build trusting relationships.
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Excellent communication and listening skills.
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The ability to work closely with a range of different organisations.
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Tact and sensitivity patience and resilience.
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Good organisational and planning skills.
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The ability to relate to people from all backgrounds.
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Patience and perseverance, for coping with challenges and setbacks.
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A non-judging attitude initiative, enthusiasm and motivation.
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Skills in researching, analysing statistics and writing reports.
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Commitment to equality and diversity.
What you'll learn
Throughout your studies, you will discover the knowledge of:
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Developing and delivering a range of relapse prevention strategies for people with AOD issues.
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Developing and implementing a behaviour response plan.
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Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
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Providing services to people with complex needs.
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Supporting the recovery process.
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Trauma informed care.
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Supporting people with co-existing issues.
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Assess promote and review emotional and physical wellbeing.
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Communication techniques to build and maintain relationships.
Course Units
To be awarded the CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs, you must successfully complete 21 of 22 units of competency (and provide Partners in Training with your Statement of Attainment for unit HLTAID011 for the purpose of Credit Transfer).
* CHCADV005 Provide systems advocacy services (Core)
* CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context (Core)
* CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues (Core)
CHCAOD006 Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues (Core)
CHCAOD007 Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management (Core)
* CHCAOD008 Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues (Core)
* CHCAOD009 Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans (Core)
* CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs (Core)
* CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationship (Core)
* CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people (Core)
* CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues (Core)
CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care (Core)
CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice (Core)
CHCPRP002 Collaborate in professional practice (Core)
* CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice (Core)
HLTAID011 Provide first aid (via Credit Transfer) (Core)
* CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs (Elective)
* CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services (Elective)
* CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety (Elective)
CHCDFV006 Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence (Elective)
* CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes (Elective)
* CHCMHS003 Provide recovery oriented mental health services (Elective)
*Students undertaking this qualification can expect to have these 15 units credit transferred into CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services with Partners in Training, leaving 5 additional units to study to be awarded the Diploma of Community Services qualification. More information can be found below.
Assessment
Unlocking your potential has never been more thrilling! Assessment is a crucial element in your learning journey, paving the way to attaining a nationally recognised qualification. Get ready to showcase your skills and knowledge through assessment methods such as questions, projects, case studies, role plays, presentations and placement. Your learning will propel you towards achieving your educational goals with confidence!
Trainer Support
Partners in Training Australia take pride in their top-notch trainers! They're hand-picked for their industry expertise and teaching skills. In every class session, your trainer will draw upon their own wealth of industry experience to foster a dynamic, fulfilling and engaging learning environment. With their passion for teaching, you'll be guided towards success by a dedicated training organisation who is committed to making your learning journey truly enjoyable. Get ready to thrive under their guidance and unlock your full potential!
Practical Placement Hours
Gain hands-on experience! Exciting placement opportunities await you during placement in a relevant community service delivery setting which involves for example, direct client work, community education or community development. You'll dive into the field by undertaking a minimum of 180 hours of practical placement working under supervision with clients.
If you are currently working in the sector, your workplace may be used to undertake your practical placement hours, however, is subject to approval from Partners in Training Australia.
Further Study
Graduates of CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs may wish to further their studies and expand their employment opportunities by enrolling in the following courses:
• CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services; and/or
• CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management; and/or
• CHC82015 Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management
Unique Opportunity - Gain a CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
There is a growing demand for professionals with skills in community services and alcohol and other drugs, with a projected 10% increase in job opportunities over the next five years, according to recent industry reports. Dual qualifications in these fields not only meet this rising demand but also open doors to a broader range of impactful roles in the community. 80% of employers prefer candidates with dual qualifications, underlining the growing value of this diverse skill set. This dual qualification is linked to a 15% higher average salary compared to professionals with single qualifications. Enroling in these courses will equip you with in-depth knowledge and strategic positioning in a competitive job market, offering numerous opportunities for career growth and social impact.
To be considered for entry into this qualification, you must:
1. Already be studying the CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs (with community services focus electives) with Partners in Training Australia, with a requirement for regular attendance at your Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs classes and timely submission of assessments.
2. Additionally, you should have regular access to a computer or laptop with stable internet, a free Zoom account, and necessary audio-visual equipment.
3. Prior to enrolment, a Pre-Training Review (PTR) is mandatory to identify your existing competencies and assess the suitability of this course as a training option. The PTR is designed to ensure personalised support in achieving your desired learning outcomes, and there is no need to undergo a 2nd language, literacy, and numeracy skills (LLN) assessment.
This online course, delivered through live trainer-led Zoom sessions, offers support via 1:1 phone contact, email, and/or Zoom. The 5 units in this course are scheduled over 3 months, allowing students to commence approximately 9 months into their Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs qualification. Students will attend one 7-hour Zoom class per week, and will also need to complete a minimum of 110 hours of placement.
There are 5 specific units of competency in this qualification that you need to complete, and the remaining 15 units will be credit transferred into this course upon the completion of your CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs qualification.
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management
CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
HLTWHS003 Maintain work and health and safety
This course does not attract government funding. The Admin Fee is $0, and the Tuition Fee is $500, payable through a fortnightly payment plan over 3 months, consisting of 5 fortnightly instalments of $95 each and a final instalment of $25.
If you are interested in studying the Diploma of Community Services (5 units), please inform Partners in Training Australia when you attend your Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs course Information Session.
Click me to view the Diploma of Community Services Course Outline.
Working with Children's Check & Police Check
These checks are compulsory in order to commence practical placement. It is recommended that you apply for these closer to when practical placement starts so they are current.
The Working with Children Check assists in protecting children from sexual or physical harm by ensuring that people who work with, or care for them are subject to a screening process. If you are doing or intending to do child-related work and do not qualify for an exemption, you need a Check. Visit me for more information.
Children's Check: Approximately $130
Volunteer Card: Free
The Victoria Police provides a service to all Victorians who wish to obtain a National Police Certificate for employment, voluntary work and occupation-related licensing or registration purposes. Information about an individual's criminal history will not be released without an applicant's written consent other than for law enforcement purposes.
Partners in Training Australia have been issued with a CVF Number (Community Volunteer Fee) to reduce the cost when you submit your application directly through the Victoria Police website (including via partner agency Service Victoria). You’ll be provided with this information when you attend their information session for this qualification.
Police Check (National Name Check): Approximately $19
*Price can be subject to change without warning.
Skills First Funding & Eligibility Criteria
Skills First is a Victorian Government scheme that helps people access subsidised vocational education and training. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your course tuition fees.
Eligibility criteria for Skills First government-subsidised training
Citizenship/Residency
You must be:
1. an Australian citizen, or
2. a New Zealand citizen, or
3. a Permanent Resident, or
4. an Asylum Seeker - you are exempt from the citizenship/permanent residence eligibility criteria if:
a) you have been referred to training via the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the Australian Red Cross Victims of Human Trafficking Program and have a ‘Referral to Government Subsidised Training – Asylum Seekers’ form; or
b) you hold, or if you are the dependant of an individual who holds a valid humanitarian, protection or refugee visa (see list below); or
- Global Special Humanitarian (subclass 202)
- Humanitarian (Temporary) (subclass 449)
- Protection visa (subclass 866)
- Refugee visa 200 Refugee
- Refugee visa 201 In-country Special Humanitarian
- Refugee visa 203 Emergency Rescue
- Refugee visa 204 Woman at Risk
- Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851)
- Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790)
- Temporary Humanitarian Concern (subclass 786)
- Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785)
c) you hold a bridging visa and have lodged an application for (or if you are the dependant of that individual):
- a humanitarian, protection or refugee visa; or
- under s.417 or s.48b of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) which is yet to be determined
and the visa states that the visa holder
d) has study rights, and work rights if the course you are enrolling in has placement.
Note: the above list of Visa’s is a general but incomplete list of refugee and humanitarian visas. If you’re unsure about your visa type, you need to contact the Department of Home Affairs.
VIC Government funding eligibility rules – what’s changed?
1. Your prior education is no longer taken into consideration!
Now you can enrol and study at Partners in Training Australia with government funding, regardless of what level of education you’ve completed in the past. This applies to all students who meet the citizenship/ residency requirements. Prior to this change, you had to ‘upskill’ to get government funding.. but now you don’t.
2. Removal of ‘2 at level in a lifetime’ limit!
You can study more than 2 courses that are at the same qualification level with government funding! Prior to 1 January 2023, you could only study 2 of the same level qualifications with government funding in your lifetime.. but now you don’t.
3. What hasn’t changed?
You can still only be studying no more than 2 government funded qualifications at any one point in time. This is known as the ‘2 in a year’ limit.
Course Fees & Payment Plans
If you are eligible for Skills First Funding your fees are: $110 Admin Fee (upfront and non-refundable) + a $300 Tuition Fee.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students pay the $110 Admin Fee (upfront and non-refundable) + $0 Tuition Fee.
Payment plans: Skills First funded students who pay a $300 Tuition Fee can access a payment plan if they cannot pay this in full at the time of enrolment or by Day 1 of the course. Payment plan options are:
1. * 5 x $60 fortnightly
2. * 3 x $100 fortnightly
* The 1st deduction must be paid before or on Day 1 of the course.
3. If you are on Centrelink, you are able to fill out a form for Centrepay.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are not eligible for a payment plan but must pay their Admin Fee at the time of enrolment or by Day 1 of the course.
If you are not eligible for Victorian government funding, you can still undertake the course as a Fee For Service student. Students in this category automatically go onto a payment plan to pay off their Tuition Fees. The payment plan instalment amount is capped at $281.25 per fortnight x 32 instalments.
Course fees: $110 Admin Fee (upfront and non-refundable) + $9,000 Tuition Fee
Centrelink
Please note that some Centrelink Payments may be affected by undertaking study. We strongly advise you speak to your Centrelink Coordinator to see if you are affected. Fresh Futures Australia accepts no responsibility or liability for affected payments.
Meet your Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Partners in Training Australia is a trusted provider of high-quality vocational education in Victoria for over 16 years, empowering students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the Community Services and Health Care sectors. With campuses in Shepparton, Sale and Traralgon, they also cater to students from all over Melbourne and regional Victoria.
As an ASQA Registered Training Organisation, they are proud to hold a Victorian Skills First funding contract with the Department of Education, offering eligible students the opportunity to enjoy low-cost tuition fees. They believe that education should be accessible and affordable for everyone.
What sets them apart is their team of experienced Trainers & Assessors who have ongoing professional links with the Community Services and Health Care sectors. From Nursing and Aged Care to Disability, Leisure and Health, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Education Support, and Early Childhood Education, their industry expertise is unparalleled.
You can be confident that you'll receive the right training to gain the skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed in your chosen field.
Enrolment Process
1. Fill out our Student Questionnaire
The Student Questionnaire is designed for me to get to know you a little better before I pass
your details over to the RTO providing the course. This doesn't guarantee your acceptance into the course at Partners in Training Australia nor is it a part of their enrolment process.
2. Speak to one of our Student Liaison Coordinators
Once you have completed your Student Questionnaire, one of our Student Liaison Coordinators will give you a courtesy call to:
- Further discuss your eligibility.
- Ensure you have read over the study details.
- Speak further about your career goals and
suitability for the course.
- Give you additional information and answer any further questions you may have.
If you decide that you would like to proceed with the application process after speaking with one of our Student Liaison Coordinators then we will organise Partners in Training Australia to contact you and invite you to attend one of their
information sessions.
3. Information Session
The course information session is your opportunity to speak to one of Partners in Training's friendly course advisors, listen to valuable information about the course and ask them as many questions as you need. Then, if you choose to study the qualification, you’ll complete an enrolment application form. Attendance at an information session is compulsory if you want to enrol.
To apply to enrol, you will need your:
1.Unique Student Identifier (USI) - Create your USI here.
2.Victorian Student Number (VSN) - Only required for students who have attended a Victorian school since 2009.
3.Evidence of Citizenship/Residency such as a Green Medicare Card.
Please have these documents with you at the Information Session. Completion of the Enrolment Application Form does not guarantee enrolment. A Partners in Training Australia Authorised Delegate will review your application and determine the progression of enrolment.
A Partners In Training Australia Information Session covers:
- Information about their registered training organisation and available course locations.
- Qualification details and any course entry requirements.
- Expected hours of study, Student Handbook, Refund policy and other policies you need to be
aware of.
- Course Fees including payment plan options.
- Student Support mechanisms in place.
- Further study and employment pathways available to you upon course completion.
- Mandatory practical placement hours that form part of the course and how placement is organised.
- Any Working with Children Check &/or Police Check requirements.
The Information Session is designed to provide enough time to:
- Determine whether your eligible for a Victorian Skills First government subsidised training place.
- Confirm your course fees.
- Assess your Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills (LLN).
- Conduct a Pre-Training Review with you.
- Have you complete the enrolment form.
4. Confirmation of Enrolment and Day 1 of Class
Prior to the course start date, Partners in Training Australia will contact you via email to confirm whether they have accepted your application to enrol. If you’re accepted, they’ll confirm the start date of the course, the name/email of your Trainer, the name/email of your allocated Training Coordinator, course venue and location, your course fees, fee payment information etc.
We're here to support you every step of the way in your journey to enrol in this course at Partners in Training Australia. If you've submitted your Student Questionnaire, we take it as a positive sign that you're ready to find out more and attend an information session, with a view to enrol. However, if you still have questions or uncertainties, please don't hesitate to reach out to me personally. I'm here to address any further queries you may have.
If you see a missed call, voicemail, or text message from us or from Partners in Training Australia, please be courteous and call us back - even if it's to let us know you're no longer interested. We won't be offended!
We eagerly anticipate receiving your Student Questionnaire and discussing your career path with you further. Let's speak soon and take the first step towards achieving your goals!