How would you describe your role at CCIWA?
As State Manager of ASA, I have a large team spread across WA who are tasked with assisting job seekers into an apprenticeship or traineeship, providing employers with the information to upskill and grow their workforce, and supporting them along that journey. The contract ASA holds with the Commonwealth is quite varied so my role as Manager is to make sure we are meeting the obligations of our Apprenticeship Network Provider contract while simultaneously advocating for WA businesses and industry to improve skilled worker numbers.
Coming into my role during the busiest ASA period on record was memorable. Over the last two years, apprentice commencement numbers have essentially doubled.
What does a typical day look like?
Is there such a thing as a typical day? For me it can start with meeting a large mining company in Perth that has over 500 apprentices and trainees, followed by discussions with the WA State Government about how we can increase the number of skilled workers in regional WA, a Teams meeting with the Federal Government about upcoming policy changes and then a chat with a sole trader in Newman who wants to talk about incentives for employers.
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Working with a team of passionate individuals helping to create change and improvements across the skilled workforce in WA.
What’s your most memorable achievement at work?
Coming into my role during the busiest ASA period on record was memorable. Over the last two years, apprentice commencement numbers have essentially doubled under the Government’s Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) initiative and coming in and seeing the team achieving such amazing results under that sort of pressure was remarkable. Supporting them through to the end of the BAC program and looking towards the next chapter of ASA has been a wonderful experience and I’m looking forward to seeing how we, as a business, evolve to help our clients.
Best career advice you’ve ever received?
Results happen over time — work hard, stay consistent and be patient.
Who inspires you?
There are many people that inspire me in diverse ways, both professionally and personally. I’m always inspired by those who have been confronted with many challenges but continue to rise up and succeed, particularly women in non-traditional or leadership roles.
Describe CCIWA in three words.
Helping WA grow.
