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Family and community capacity building projects in Tasmania are attempting to address the disadvantage of communities marginalised by socioeconomic and other influences. One encouraging outcome is that some community members who engage with the projects are returning to education or training. This study uses an ethnographic research methodology to examine the experiences of a number of new students or trainees in one community, where TAFE Tasmania has offered access to Certificate II in Community Services (Children’s Services) to volunteers in a children’s school holiday activities program. As all are unemployed, assessment contexts have been a challenge. The adult literacy and basic education (ALBE) section of TAFE also offered a 'return to study' course facilitated through the community development program. Education and training are vital key elements on the pathway to empowerment. Together with other education and training initiatives of the project, the experience of these students has produced positive individual and community outcomes.