Chloe Handley has a unique familiarity with the Australian Training Awards. In 2016, Chloe was entered into the awards and was a finalist in the Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Award category. In a full-circle moment, she now manages the Australian Training Awards program in the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), delivering the annual awards on a national scale.
Chloe’s journey from Australian Apprentice to Event Manager didn’t happen overnight, but it came with plenty of experiences along the way. Looking for ways to enhance her event skills, she commenced an Advanced Diploma of Events Management at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
Upon completion of her Advanced Diploma, Chloe felt conflicted about which direction she wanted to take. “I felt untethered.” Chloe explains “At one stage, I thought I might pursue wedding planning, but I wasn't sure how to break into the industry.”
Despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead, Chloe knew she was passionate about events and was determined to create memorable experiences that brought people together.
Chloe used the power of networking to connect with a mentor who introduced her to the idea of a government traineeship, completing a Certificate IV in Government. The opportunity combined event management with public service experience and included working on the ACT Training Awards, the Public Education Excellence Awards and a range of other education and training events.
As a result of her traineeship, Chloe moved into a role at the National Portrait Gallery as Venue Manager, where she spent three years overseeing more than 200 events annually. Here, Chloe worked closely with catering, security and gallery teams to deliver everything from corporate functions to high-profile public events. “It was a busy, dynamic role that gave me invaluable experience in event planning, stakeholder management and operations.” explains Chloe.
Chloe returned to the ACT Government to manage the ACT Training Awards. Following a three-year stint, Chloe then joined the Australian Training Awards team in DEWR to help implement recommendations from a major program review and quickly moved into her current role managing the Australian Training Awards where she has remained for five years.
The previous experiences that Chloe was able to bring, including her event management skills, government traineeship and on the job training proved to be invaluable. “My previous experiences enabled me to understand both the practical requirements of event delivery and the policy, and governance involved in working for Government.”
“It has been a privilege to lead a program that celebrates the very best of vocational education and training (VET) across Australia,” explains Chloe. “Alongside an incredible team of passionate professionals, I work to improve the experience for finalists and ensure they get the most out of their journey”.
The most rewarding part of Chloe’s role is the ability to meet finalists and hear their stories. “Their achievements are a constant reminder of the impact VET can have on people's lives and careers, and why programs like the Australian Training Awards are so important” she says.
Chloe had plenty more learning experiences along the way, including participating in the National Apprentice Employment Network's Today's Skills, Tomorrow's Leaders program. Chloe reflects on the experience saying “The leadership training I received gave me confidence, expanded my professional networks and helped prepare me for the next stage of my career.”
“The leadership training I received gave me confidence, expanded my professional networks and helped prepare me for the next stage of my career.”
There are plenty of benefits to undertaking a qualification through VET, and Chloe explains that one of the greatest strengths of VET is the flexibility it offers, “You don't need to have your entire career mapped out from day one”. She encourages others to “Follow your interests, remain open to new experiences and trust that every skill, qualification and connection you build will help shape your future.”
As Chloe looks back on how she’s progressed throughout her career, she appreciates the connections she’s made, including through the Australian VET Alumni network.
“Through both my professional role and the Alumni network, I've met inspiring people from across Australia whose training journeys have transformed their careers and lives.” She explains “Hearing their stories continues to reinforce the value of VET and the importance of celebrating success.”
“Through both my professional role and the Alumni network, I've met inspiring people from across Australia whose training journeys have transformed their careers and lives.”
When asked what advice she would give other trainees, Chloe’s message is simple – enjoy the journey. “Not everything has to happen immediately,” she says. “It's okay not to have all the answers. Work hard, stay curious and trust the process.”
Her lasting advice for future trainees is to say yes. “Say yes to opportunities. Apply for the award. Put your hand up for the extra training. Attend the networking event. Start conversations with people outside your usual circle,” Chloe is adamant this will help you get ahead. “You never know where a single opportunity, introduction or experience might lead.”
“Some of the biggest opportunities in my career have come from saying yes to things I hadn't originally planned for.”