The NPL Industry Sub-Committee use their industry contacts, skills and time to offer schools and students opportunities and information. They also keep the NPL informed of what’s happening in industries.
Account Manager, ACE Radio
At school Darren had no idea what he wanted to do, and didn't really map out his career until he moved to Melbourne at the age of 22-23.
He's worked as a:
Supermarket junior, supermarket manager, sales person, small business operator (father's business), operations manager, account manager.
Career advice Darren would give to his younger self:
Don't let others pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. Don't be afraid to try things outside of your comfort zone. Look & listen, be patient, be brave, don't be afraid to take a risk.
Manager Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, South West Healthcare
At school Renee wanted to be a group 1 horse trainer like Bart Cummings and a real estate agent, to make lots of money!! She has progressed in neither.
She's worked as a:
HR guru from admin to management, in multiple industries such as local government, mining, IT, logistics and now health.
Career advice Renee would give to her younger self:
Work experience is better than a Uni degree. Try a job that you enjoy doing. Then if you really like it, go back and study it. There are multiple options to study and ways to work your way up the ladder as well. Don’t just think that you must work in one job or one industry! Be adventurous and give things a go. There is always going to be something that you can learn and hopefully enjoy doing. If it doesn’t work out, that’s ok!
Training Manager, The Midfield Group
At school Kylie wanted to finish Year 12 but had no idea what she wanted to do after that.
She's worked as a:
Checkout operator, waitress, disability support worker, fruit picker, factory worker, administration/data entry person, student disability support coordinator.
Career advice Kylie would give her younger self:
You don’t have to decide on your career path today, just what you want to do next. Take it one step at a time. Find something you like doing and see if you can get a job in that field.
Learning Broker, Timboon Agriculture Project (TAP) and Dairy Farmer, Ocean Road Pastoral
At school Andrea wanted to be a:
Teacher.
She's worked as a:
Waitress, teacher, census collector, pig farmer, dairy farmer, Ambulance Community Officer (ACO), TAP coordinator.
Career advice Andrea would give her younger self:
Seek advice from people who are passionate about what they do and find good mentors. You can't be what you don't see.
Manager and Owner, FishTales
At school Jade wanted to be a:
Graphic Designer.
He's worked as a:
I started at Tradelink, I was a sales rep for Coca-Cola as well as working/managing venues in the hospitality industry that lead me into opening The Hairy Goat and then moving onto FishTales.
Career advice Jade would give to his younger self:
Always keep learning. Don’t be afraid to take big steps, take a deep breath, have a go and back yourself. Don’t die wondering.
Chief Executive Officer, Carter Group
At school Karis wanted to be a:
Singer/songwriter.
She's worked as a:
Musician, waitress, kitchen hand, roustabout, supermarket cashier, swimming pool cashier, bar attendant, administration assistant, creative writer, voice over artist, radio announcer, radio sales executive, business development manager, sales manager, general manager.
Career advice Karis would give her younger self:
Compete with yourself every day and you will always be a better version than yesterday.
Assistant Director, Barwon Southwest Hub, Headstart Apprenticeships
At school Tim wanted to be a:
Electrician.
He's has worked as a:
Stable hand, retail assistant, retail manager, field officer, apprentice trainee consultant, team leader, assistant director.
Career advice Tim would give to his younger self:
Don’t be afraid to try new things—even those you may not like. Every experience, whether positive or negative, helps you gain insight into different industries and make informed decisions about your future.
Apprenticeship Support Officer, Apprenticeship Support Australia
At school Jeff wanted to be a:
Cabinet Maker.
He's worked as a:
Heavy machinery, heavy haulage and truck mechanic, automotive repair and service shop owner, automotive trainer, automotive dealership service manager and currently an ASO (apprenticeship support officer).
Career advice Jeff would give his younger self:
Investigate all options, always strive to do better and don’t be late.
General Manager, Tru Blu K9000 Dog Wash
Employment Preparation & Engagement Consultant, are-able
Australian Defence Force
At school Leigh wanted to be a:
Solider.
He has worked as:
an Army Officer since starting at the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2008.
Career advice Leigh would give to his younger self:
The Australian Defence Force is an incredible way to start your working life, however it is a good idea to start exploring options after the 10 year mark.
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