Kirsten studied a Certificate IV in Banking Services while working at a bank. She not only got the practical banking skills she was after but learned a lot about finance and insurance.
Now a law student, she used this experience to get herself back into study mode, and credits the courses around legislation for igniting her desire to pursue further education in this field. She relies on the practical knowledge she gained for some of her current studies and says a lot of the experience she had is useful in her day-to-day life. We sat down with her to discuss her experience with on the job training.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about the qualification you studied?
I studied a Certificate IV in Banking Services. This qualification taught me about personal and mortgage lending, as well as about insurance for these products and how to supervise a team within a bank branch.
2. Why did you decide to study this qualification?
I started my career as a bank teller and this was a great jumpstart into a lending and supervisory position.
3. Can you list a few factors that make learning easier for you and explain why?
I find it super important to be organised. I made a weekly planner scheduling my week and when I would have time to study effectively. I still use this strategy for my current study.
4. What type of training do you like and why?
I learn best from practical, on-the job training, it helps me to better understand what it is I need to do and how it applies to my job. I was lucky enough to complete my certificate IV whilst working in the bank and it was really helpful.
5. What would you like your training provider to offer you?
Support is key for me, I love having someone I can reach out to to answer any questions I might have and keep me on the right track. A training provider that helps with placements also allows for a more well-rounded approach to learning.
6. How has your training had a positive effect on your career?
I was able to get a promotion and give my career in the financial industry a huge kickstart. I also learned lots of skills that are transferable to every day life such as budgeting, the mortgage application process and the ins and outs of insurance. Understanding these areas on a practical level have also given me an advantage in my uni studies.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering Vocational Education?
Don’t be afraid to try something new! You’d be surprised how much you can learn with the right support and planning.
