Jose's study helps solve workplace issues
18 May 2004
Studying for a Diploma of Purchasing and Materials Management was a revelation for Cairnlea resident Jose Pena-Diaz who finally learnt the knowledge and skills he needed to overcome logistics issues at his workplace with Smorgon Steel at Laverton.
Originally from South America, Jose found it challenging combining work, family, study and learning terminology in English that was specific to his field. "I couldn't even look up these terms for a translation as they don't exist in Spanish, so it was a very difficult process for me," said Jose.
Working in the Purchasing Department at Smorgons, Jose said the course made him more aware of how processes work, learning how to write reports and contracts, and was invaluable in allowing him to develop ideas for his workplace.
Jose said the training he received in class was timely as it taught him the skills to develop efficient work practices for the Stores section of Smorgons. He has developed a plan for the Purchasing Department which he has approached his boss with and will be working on this year.
He has also since been given a promotion and had to train other people, something he felt he could not have done without the confidence and skills he gained from the Diploma from the School of Industrial Technologies.
Now that he has tackled one course Jose hopes to study for an Advanced Diploma and later a Masters in logistics at RMIT. "I want to apply for the boss' job, he is getting a promotion, and I want to be able to do it," said Jose.
Jose is active in community projects leading a huge fundraising effort for South America after a natural disaster in 1998. He also translates news from English into Spanish on community radio for the older members of the community so they can remain aware of issues around them.
Apart from this Jose is involved in arts expositions for the South American community in Melbourne and helped develop a Salvadorian music group who now boasts three working bands.
Kangan Batman TAFE has 24,000 students across its seven campuses in Broadmeadows, Moreland, Richmond, Craigieburn, Coburg, Avondale Heights and Essendon.
Each year in May, Kangan Batman TAFE conducts two graduation ceremonies at the Moonee Valley Racecourse to accommodate all of its graduates and award-winning students.
The second ceremony, at which Jose will receive his award, will be held on Friday 21 May 2004. D+D Global Group is major sponsor of the ceremony, while the Jobs Plus is supporting sponsor.
