Life in the fast track

30 September 2009

Esmeralda (right) and colleague Mary Sullivan graduated from the Fast Track Certificate IV in Frontline Management.

With two children, family commitments and a full-time position in Kangan Batman TAFE's employment services department, Esmeralda Elnazak's plate is about as full as it gets.

Not daunted by her exhaustive daily schedule, the Venezuelan-born administration assistant's continual search for skills development recently lead her on pathway to a formal qualification.

Last week, Esmeralda graduated from Kangan Batman TAFE's Fast Track Certificate IV in Frontline Management program, adding another string to an already ample bow.

"Ever since I arrived in Australia in 1984, I've always looked for ways to further develop my knowledge and workplace skills," she says.

"Earlier this year I completed my Certificate IV in Business, which then led me to enrol in the Fast Track course. I think this course is a great opportunity for people like me – a housewife and working full-time - as it is time efficient, comprehensive and engaging."

Delivered in four half-day sessions, Kangan Batman TAFE's Fast Track program is designed for frontline managers. Course delivery takes into consideration the time constraints and demands made on managers and supervisors in every modern business.

Esmeralda says the skills she has developed over the four-week course will stand her in good stead for future career development.

"The program was great because it recognised my existing skills and gave me the opportunity to analyse my performance from my manager's perspective. Course content wasn't just based on theory, but more about what occurs on a day-to-day basis in the workplace," she says.

"It was carried out in an active and challenging atmosphere, which was great because it kept all the participants engaged.

"Everyone had the chance to participate in active group discussions. I never felt left out, even if the topic of discussion was something that I didn't have any knowledge of."

Since it was first introduced earlier this year, the fast track program has generated a lot of interest among participants who are after a non-traditional learning experience which fits in with an already busy work schedule.

Lectures and textbooks are kept to an absolute minimum, with course content focussing more on active discussion, group problem-solving and sharing experiences.

Entry is open to mid-level managers or supervisors with four or more years of experience.

Armed with her new qualification, Esmeralda hopes to advance in her field as an administrator. She rates the course highly and says it is perfect for anyone with big ideas but little time.

"This is ideal for everyone who doesn't have the spare time to go through many text books and consuming exercises," she says.

"It's also great for people who get bored quickly! I think that the person who created and implemented this training was spot-on identifying the key to keep all participants engaged in the course at all times."

For more information on the Fast Track Certificate IV in Frontline Management, call Ann O'Neill on 9279 2458 or email aoneill@kangan.edu.au.