1. Describe your role in one sentence:
I deliver on the job training which makes career development easy.
2. What got you into the training and career development industry?
I was trained in secondary education but just felt that the focus was more on the content rather than the skills needed to learn and succeed, so I changed to competency-based training.
3. What is the best part of the work you do?
I am lucky enough to work with recent school leavers who are generally starting their first full-time role. Being a support and mentor for these young individuals as they transform into professionals is massively rewarding! There is nothing better than seeing someone master a skill they struggled with before.
4. What is the most challenging part of your role?
Probably the most challenging thing is when the value of the training isn’t recognised either by the trainee or host employer. This is why I am so lucky to work with ARC Group who develop close working relationships with their partner companies and select outstanding candidates to become ARCies (Trainees).
5. What is your proudest achievement at work?
My proudest achievement would be the completion of one particular ARCie of mine. When I interviewed her for her first “real” role, she burst into tears. To see her come out of the 12 months traineeship as a professional young adult who could handle the intensity of the busy business she works in was the best result I could ever ask for!
6. When you were a student the person who inspired you most was and why…..
I wasn’t the best academic student so this one is hard. From just a general learning perspective, one of my netball umpiring coaches was probably the most inspiring. He helped me overcome a lot of the doubts about what I could actually do, which allowed me to not only progress and develop but also love what I was doing even more.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you give to students / what is your favourite saying?
‘Why do we fall?’ – People tend to see mistakes as the worst thing in the world, but if it wasn’t for mistakes or accidents, we wouldn’t have Teflon. So take some calculated risks and be open to mistakes and feedback.
8. If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in the training industry, what would it be?
If you can find joy in helping others succeed being a trainer/assessor is the world’s most rewarding job. If that’s not something you can do, this probably isn’t the industry for you.
9. What would you say to someone thinking about registering for a training course?
Think about the purpose for doing the course, have a goal, motivation and understand what you need to succeed. Then find an RTO that can support you in achieving this.
10. What’s the best thing that has happened to you this year?
The Parramatta Eels didn’t get the wooden spoon! And helping 40 ARCies to successfully complete their traineeship with the majority of them having full-time employment at the end of their training and it’s only October!
11. Describe Cloud Assess in 3 words:
Smart, interactive, connective.
If you want to take part in the Cloud Assess 60 Seconds with interview, contact Helen at info@cloudassess.co
