Finding purpose through education: Sara's pathway into training and assessment

Throughout her career, Sara has always enjoyed helping people learn and grow. She has worked across early childhood education, government and community services, and has also tutored and lectured at university level. Across every role, one thing remained the same: she loved supporting people to build confidence and recognise their strengths.

Over time, Sara realised that the most rewarding part of her career was teaching. “I think during my career I've been at my best when I was teaching," she says. That realisation led Sara to Chisholm's online Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a course that would help her turn her passion for teaching into a future career.

Studying while working full-time meant flexibility was essential. Sara was looking for a course that could fit around her professional commitments while still providing a high-quality learning experience. Chisholm's online Certificate IV in Training and Assessment offered exactly that. The course gave Sara the flexibility to study when it suited her, while still feeling supported every step of the way, “the flexibility has been fantastic,” she says.

One of the things Sara values most about studying at Chisholm is the level of support available to students. Alongside weekly support sessions, she has access to personalised guidance and one-on-one support whenever she needs it. She says the teaching team genuinely cares about student success and encourages learners to bring their own experiences and ideas into the classroom.

"The learning experience is so personalised that you feel like your needs matter and your goals and dreams are going to be supported no matter what they are," she says.

Learning alongside students from different industries and professional backgrounds has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the course for Sara. The diversity of the class has created valuable opportunities to share ideas, learn from others and gain new perspectives. "It's been amazing hearing everyone's experiences and seeing how different people approach challenges," she says.

One of Sara's biggest learning moments came during a group-based assessment activity. She facilitated a training session with learners of different ages, experience levels and professional backgrounds. Rather than simply delivering information, she encouraged participants to share their experiences, challenge ideas and learn from one another.

As the discussion evolved, Sara found herself stepping back and allowing the group to drive the conversation. "That was the aha moment," she says. "I realised this is what would actually happen in the workplace."

Through the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Sara has gained greater clarity about where she would like to take her career while reinforcing her passion for teaching and mentoring others. The course has strengthened her understanding of how to support learners as they develop new skills and apply them confidently in the workplace.

She now hopes to build a career within vocational education and training, helping others develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. “For me, teaching at Chisholm would be the goal, absolutely," she says. “I feel like it would be a lovely place for me to grow and develop.”

Looking back on her experience, Sara encourages others to stay open to new opportunities. Sometimes, taking the first step can lead to possibilities you never expected. “Take the leap. You've got to have some faith in yourself that this is going to be an adventure.”