The youth worker becomes the storyteller

Before arriving at UTS College, Paniora Nukunuku ('Pnuks') was already making a difference in his community. Born in New Zealand and raised in Sydney’s Canterbury-Bankstown area, he spent his early career supporting young people as a youth worker.

“I’d used youth services growing up, from education support to mental health programs,” he says.

“Working in the same space later on gave me a real sense of purpose. I wanted to keep helping others and find better ways to communicate with them.”

That drive to connect and uplift others became the spark for his next chapter – one that would blend creativity, communication and advocacy.


Finding a new way to connect

While working in youth services, Paniora became curious about social media and its potential to reach people who might not otherwise engage with traditional support. “I’d been creating short videos for fun,” he says. “But then I started to see how content could share positive messages and open up conversations that mattered.”

Encouraged by a colleague who’d studied at UTS College, Paniora decided to take the next step and enrol in the Diploma of Communication. “I looked it up and saw a course that included social media. I thought it was a chance to upskill,” he says.

At UTS College, he found the confidence and structure to grow both personally and professionally. “The small classes and friendly environment helped me connect with classmates and really focus on my goals,” he says.

I wanted to keep helping others and find better ways to communicate with them.

My journey

Paniora-7

I used to be a youth worker

I used social media to share information that helped support vulnerable young people and disadvantaged communities.

Helping other students navigate ATAR Day

 

Building skills – and a platform

During his studies, Paniora’s creative side took off. He started creating videos on TikTok during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and one post quickly went viral. “It got 58,000 likes and 780,000 views in 24 hours. It was crazy,” he says.

His videos resonated with audiences across Australia. “Short-form video is the best way to really condense complex information,” he explains.

Whether it’s tackling social issues, celebrating cultural identity or breaking down misconceptions, Paniora’s work always comes back to helping people feel seen and heard.

But then I started to see how content could share positive messages and open up conversations that mattered.

Watch Pnuks's short-form video about ATARs and pathways

Using social media for social good

As a student ambassador at UTS College and a budding social-media creator, Paniora’s days balance content creation, study and connection. You’ll find him in class refining his communication and digital-media skills. Outside the classroom, he’s filming, editing and sharing short-form videos that blend humour, commentary and insight. He says:
“Short-form video is the best way to really condense complex information.”

He also uses his platforms to advocate. For people with disabilities, first-generation uni students and for those who believe they might be excluded from higher education. “I want to encourage as many people, especially young people, as possible not to give up when it comes to further education.”

Watch some of Pnuks's UTS flexes on TikTok

Pnuks's day in the life

As a UTS graduate and social media creator, Paniora's days are a mix of creativity, connection and giving back. You'll find him mentoring young entrepreneurs at UTS Startups, filming and editing short-form videos, or collaborating with peers to share messages about inclusion and social impact.

He says the skills he developed at UTS College - from communication and digital media to confidence in presenting his ideas, has made a big difference:

 UTS College gave me the foundation to take my passion further. It helped me feel confident, build networks and use my skills to help others.   

 

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Making meaningful impact

Paniora is now studying communication with a major in digital and social media at UTS, building his skills and reach. He credits UTS College with giving him both the academic foundation and the confidence to launch into his goals: “It was a friendly environment…tailored support…helped me smash out my goals.”

Beyond his personal success, he uses his profile to give back: promoting inclusion, normalising disability, raising awareness of youth-service pathways and celebrating students who might feel overlooked.

I want to encourage as many people, especially young people, as possible not to give up when it comes to further education.


Tip for future students:

You don’t have to follow the traditional path. The time to start shaping your story is now: wherever you are, whoever you are and whatever you’ve done.

Did you know? A Diploma of Communication at UTS College gives you hands-on experience in digital media, social media and storytelling - all while building the skills to step straight into the second year of a UTS communication degree.

 

Explore the Diploma of Communication

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Ready for what's next?

Pnuks didn't need an ATAR to get into his dream degree. With a UTS College diploma, you can do the same. Our diplomas in animation production, business, communication, design & architecture, engineering, IT and science can help you grow your skills to be ready for uni, with most diplomas allowing you to go straight to the second year of a UTS degree*.

Your future starts with the first step. See which diploma suits your goals.

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