The International Training Provider of the Year Award recognises a registered training organisation that has demonstrated outstanding a achievement in all aspects of the delivery of vocational education and training to full-fee paying international students in Australia.
CHARLTON BROWN® is a registered training organisation specialising in training in community services areas ranging from early childhood education to aged care. It has over 1500 students in Australia, of whom about 12 per cent are international students from many countries.
When CHARLTON BROWN® won the International Training Provider of the Year Award at the 2015 Australian Training Awards, owner and CEO, Kay Ganley saw first-hand how well the awards are regarded internationally.
“It’s reinforced the confidence our overseas contacts have in dealing with us,” she says.
Kay also saw the impact of the win on her 60 staff. “There was a real buzz in the college — staff felt rewarded and there was a collective increase in confidence, which is important in international education.”
Apart from their campus experiences, CHARLTON BROWN®’s work placements ensure their international students are thoroughly work ready. The college also offers Australia-wide opportunities that provide experiences of Australian culture while working and studying.
However, the college’s international program is not only about inbound students. CHARLTON BROWN® also delivers Australian qualifications through partner organisations in countries including China, Indonesia and the Philippines. It also sends students abroad on its global linkages program.
“Students can do work placements in orphanages and aged care facilities in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, which they describe as life changing experiences. While learning about that country, they also contribute to making a difference in people’s lives.”
This variety of international vocational education activities gives CHARLTON BROWN® a perspective that informs the whole college’s approach to training.
Kay is passionate about Australia’s VET system and says this award will help in her quest to make Australians aware that it has a great system.
“Not enough people know the benefits skilled training is providing to the Australian economy. Neighbouring countries are crying out for skilled training and want to replicate our system. We can be a bit tough on ourselves — any system needs to review and adjust, but we need to recognise that ours really is very good.”