FAQs

Joanne Cornelius

Director

CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I have over 20 years of compliance driven industry experience originated from the Defence Force and the Automotive Industry and in the past 12 years I have held Senior Management roles in 3 RTOs, across Queensland and Victoria. I am a lifelong learner and hold the following qualifications:

• Master of Professionals Education and Training (MPET)
• Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)
• Advanced Diploma of Management (Human Resources)
• Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
• Diploma of Quality Auditing
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Certificate IV in Automotive Management
• Automotive Technician Qualifications in Light and Heavy Vehicles

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE

My Trade and RTO leadership skills are what sets me apart as sought after trainer and assessor and a sought-after Consultant to the RTO industry. I relate to tradies, business executives and anyone in between because I have ‘walked in their shoes’. 

CURRENT WORK PROJECTS & ACTIVITY STREAMS

• RTO Transformation into the future
• Diversification and sustainability strategies and projects
• Best practice in recreational Marine training programs

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I often quote ‘We are an RTO that practices what we preach’.

Caroline McKinstry

NEIS Manager – NetGain Australia

Originally from the UK, I worked as a Claims Manager Commercial Insurance for General Accident, Eagle Star and Zurich Insurance Companies in both Scotland and England where I obtained my Associateship of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII). The role entailed overseeing the Claims Department staff (approx. 200 people), dealing with Head Office, and working with Insurance Brokers and Policyholders.

I have a great wealth of knowledge in Team building, very organised, keen eye for detail, good Project Management skills. I am both empathetic and challenging as well as being honest and trustworthy.

I have been involved with the NEIS Program for the last 8 years as a NEIS Manager, interfacing with our main stakeholders, participants and The Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

I am passionate about helping people, loyalty and familmean everything, I am a keen soccer fan (Melbourne City) and a Formula 1 addict. I love spending time with family, friends and socialising at weekends as well as reading a good book.

Morgan Cornelius

Executive Director, GM – Sales, Operations & Marketing

CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Sales Manager – VIC/TAS & ACT Key Accounts – 2011 Current – Plastec Australia
• Marketing/Design and Print Media – March 2019 – Current – Plastec Australia
• Web Master – March 2019 – Current – Plastec Australia
• Product Specialist – Governments & Local Councils – NSW, (Sydney Sth to border), VIC/TAS – Plastec Australia
• Projects Manager – 2005 – 2008 – Tradelink Plumbing Supplies.
• National Operations Trainer – Aust. NZ. – 2001 – 2005 – Tradelink Plumbing Supplies
• Soldier/Tradesman. Royal Australian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers. RAEME Corps Australian Army. 1990 – 1996. (Includes deployment to Malaysia.)

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE

• Public Relations & Theory – UNISA
• Graduate Certificate of Marketing – DEAKIN
• Open Water Diver Certified – 18 metres – PADI Australia.
• Adv. Diploma Business & Project Management. Upskilled Australia
• TAE – Training & Assessment – The Learning Professionals & Australian Institute of Management.
• Train the Trainer. Australian Institute of Management.
• OH&S Auditor – Recovere Australia
• Advanced EXCEL and windows programs.
• ADOBE suite of programs & design.
• Photoshop & Lightroom.
• Trade Certificate – Automotive/Mechanics

CURRENT WORK PROJECTS & ACTIVITY STREAMS

(Outside current work commitments)

• Web site co-ordination with external provider, to ensure communication process is fluid.
• Handbooks, logos, and information design of print media.

Volunteer Work

• RAEME Association of Victoria – Webmaster & Newsletter Editor
• St Joseph’s College – Men’s Association. – Maintenance & Assistance
• Royal Geelong Yacht Club – “Wooden Boat Festival” volunteer, “Festival of Sails” volunteer, volunteer photography and images.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Very driven with commitment to excellence in all of my work.

Passionate about leadership and mentoring, I take pride in helping people with building their own skills.

Outside of work, I love sailing, running, swimming, cycling, diving & photography.

Leon Semmens

General Manger – Flexible Learning Solutions

CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I have been involved in training in one form or another for nearly 30 years and gained my training qualification in 1999.

I joined the Army in 1987 as an Apprentice Vehicle Mechanic. I served for 14 years in various locations around the country with my main specialisation in heavy road transport and earth moving equipment. In 2000, I transferred to the RAAF and served a further 3 years.

Prior to joining The Learning Professionals I was the National Service Training Manager for Mitsubishi motors being responsible for overseeing the training of the Service Technicians and Customer facing Service Staff across the entire Mitsubishi Dealer Network. This training included technical training on the Mitsubishi range of vehicles for technicians and soft skills training for Service Advisors and Service Managers. I headed up a program designed to identify short comings in the area of Customer Service Satisfaction and implemented training courses to provide staff with better communication and selling skills.

Along with my many trade qualifications, I hold a Cert IV in TAE along with Diplomas in VET and Training Design. I have recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Management (Learning).

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE

I have vast knowledge in the day to day running of service and repair workshops and use this to design and develop bespoke training to upskill staff in areas of need.

Using this knowledge, I have designed and developed many training programs that are both accredited and non-accredited to meet the needs of our customers in areas that have been identified where staff require up-skilling.

My knowledge, skills and experience in the design, development and delivery of customer focused training are transferable across many industries. This allows me to work with businesses to develop their staff in improving their customer service across all aspects of their business.

CURRENT WORK PROJECTS & ACTIVITY STREAMS

As CEO, my main responsibilities are the daily operation of the RTO along with strategic planning and the ongoing growth of the business.

I am very much involved with building national training programs along with working side by side with individual businesses to develop specialised training to upskill their staff.

Currently I am working on developing our businesses Core Values that will define us and guide us as a business as we strive to be a leader in delivering training across multiple industries.

I am very passionate about training and I’m certainly not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get in at the coal face to do what needs to be done.

I believe our staff are our greatest asset and will do what is needed to support them in their roles and their personal development.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Maintaining a healthy work / life balance is important. As a family we love to travel when we can and enjoy getting away for weekends and holidays camping in our caravan.

During my down time I am involved in the local community with my sons sporting teams where I am the Team Manager and Assistant Coach of his under 10s Australian Rules Football team and scorer for his under 10s Cricket team.

At my sons school, I organise regular catchups for the Dads and male care givers in a group we call Shed Men. This is a social support network where we get together to just chat and enjoy a beverage and bbq.

My family has 2 dogs, Molly a 6 month old Maltese and Preston a 13 year old Moodle.

I’m not much of a gardener, but I do enjoy growing chilli’s and making my own special HOT sauces.

Andrea Clifford

RTO Projects Manager

CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I have been working in the Education industry for 15 years and have an Arts and Business background. I hold the following qualifications:

• Graduate Diploma of Arts and Entertainment Management
• Bachelor of Letters (Art & Architecture)
• Advanced Diploma of Program Management
• Diploma of Project Management
• Diploma of Training Design and Development
• Diploma of Human Resources Management
• Diploma of Quality Auditing
• Diploma Visual Arts
• Certificate IV Training and Assessment

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE

• Resource writer
• Compliance
• Human Resources Management
• Business Management
• Trainer and Assessor

CURRENT WORK PROJECTS & ACTIVITY STREAMS

• Program Management: Coaching for Success Program for students who require additional learning support
• Writing of Assessment materials
• Compliance of Assessment materials

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I value education and knowledge. Along with working in the Education sector, I live on a farm in the Otways and I am passionate about painting and caring for the environment, while enjoying the wild weather and scenery in the Otways and secluded beaches of the area.

Emily Matthews

Academic Manager

My name is Em, I am the Academic Manager here at The Learning Professionals. Along with conducting TAE and BSB training, I oversee training program development, develop resources, manage our online learning system (Moodle) and provide support and professional development to our fantastic trainers and staff.

My area of expertise is in quality education, I hold a bachelor’s in Zoology and Animal Science, and a Master’s in Applied Learning and Teaching (Deakin University). I also hold a Graduate Diploma in Management (Learning), a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and various other qualifications.

Prior to joining The Learning Professionals, I worked as a leader within the travel industry which I absolutely loved- who doesn’t love talking about travel every day? Before embarking on my leadership journey, I worked as a registered teacher in Southwest Victoria, and prior to that, within the retail sector. I have a passion for education, social justice, mental health awareness and empowerment.

Outside of work I love to spend time with my family, and travel and explore new places (especially down the Otways!) I enjoy getting stuck into a good book and being creative. I love to keep active and currently play hockey for the Torquay Tornadoes.

I am extremely humbled to be part of The Committee for Geelong’s Leaders for Geelong program 2021/2022. I am currently part of a community project with Read the Play, focusing on Mentally Healthy Sporting clubs.

Maryanne Baljak

RTO Manager

I am a Vocational Education professional with over 10 + years of experience in varying RTO’s and their scope of registration. I am passionate about education and believe in the importance of working and learning from each other, education is key. I have a pragmatic approach with a view to drive positive learning outcomes to those who otherwise may not be given the opportunity.

At The Learning Professionals (TLP) we believe that all people should have the opportunity to learn and progress throughout their lives. We value people’s right to make informed choices and learn from their experiences. As the RTO Manager at The Learning Professionals, I am responsible for the execution of ongoing operational requirements of the RTO.

Having worked as a Case Manager for 15 years with disadvantaged individuals I bring a comprehensive knowledge of understanding people’s barriers (both vocational and non-vocational) and the importance to re-engaging through pathways such as training and education. My passion is to help people help themselves, so they can reach their full potential.

My role at The Learning Professionals envelops:

• Review and continually improve the RTO activities, programs, and service delivery, ensuring that it remains current and underpins effective operations and high levels of quality and service.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff and driving professional development.
• The ability to develop effective relationships with senior management and broader employee networks to develop and maintain trust and confidence, and act in a fair manner to achieve outcomes and reach targets.
• Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to create new business revenue streams within new and existing accounts, rolling out relevant and contextualised training courses.
• Develop and implement strategic and business plans for sustainable business.
• Partnering with organisations to develop and implement workforce planning to meet training needs and on-going staff professional development.
• Creating business opportunities and networks both to the local and international markets.

I am outcome focused and enjoy implementing business processes and strategies to assist staff achieve their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Away from work I enjoy travelling both in Australia and further abroad. I enjoy quality time with family and friends, reading, watching documentaries and walking.

Hien Le

Director VET – International Students

CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I have been working in the Education and Training industry for more than 20 years in different roles including teaching, administration, management and program/project coordination.

Before joining The Learning Professionals, I worked at 2 other RTOs in Melbourne in several positions including Training and Development Executive, Compliance Coordinator/ Administrator and Admissions Officer. Prior to that, I held a management role at an international NGO which delivered training and capacity building programs for organisations in Vietnam and some neighboring countries. Earlier I had a teaching role at a university there.

I hold the following qualifications:

• Master of Education (by Research)
• Master of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages)
• Bachelor of Arts (in Teaching English)
• Diploma of Training Design and Development
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

And have been attending various professional development events/programs.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE

• Working in different roles at numerous education and training organisations has built up my wealth of experience in many aspects of education as well as project management, coordination, work planning and interpersonal skills.
• My research thesis focused on VET quality assurance, and I have a good understanding of Australian regulatory requirements in VET sector.
• I am experienced with internal auditing, assessment/resource and policy developing, applying for funding, adding scope of delivery, or re-registration.

CURRENT RESPONSIBILITY

I manage LP Vocational Administration services, Student Management System and its associated portals; PRISMS, AQSA net portal and Funding portal; review and develop policies and procedures, especially those relating to international students; and develop Training and Assessment Strategies for courses in our scope of delivery. Currently I am preparing documentation to apply for Government fundings and in charge of expanding international training solutions.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I am a lifelong learner who is eager to discover and learn new things through both formal education and self-study. I believe that continuous learning will help us overcome our own barriers and be able to stay updated with the development of new skills and technology.

I have a passion for training and people development and helping others develop their potential strengths and build up their knowledge and skills.
Beside working, I love travelling with my family and friends, watching movies and doing some gardening. I am a good cook and enjoy trying cuisines from different countries. I am also engaged in some charity work and being the Co-founder of a charity group helping sick children in Vietnam.