As people start to make their New Year resolutions, Steven Byrnes is encouraging others looking to invest in their career development to follow his lead by upskilling with a leadership and management course at TAFE NSW.

According to a survey of over 2000 Australians by Hays, 77% of employers were more likely to shortlist those for a promotion or new role who had regularly upskilled.

Steven, a Mudgee resident and Western NSW Local Health District employee, realised he needed to gain the additional skills to be able to lead and empower a dynamic team in his role as the Sector Engineer for Asset Operations.

He chose to study a Diploma of Leadership and Management online through TAFE NSW Dubbo to assist him in making improvements and better informed decisions.

“Studying online and traveling to TAFE NSW Dubbo once a month for workshops helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses and provided me with the practical skills and experience to improve myself. It has also helped my team to support eight hospital facilities in the Mudgee area,” Mr Byrnes said.

“The course has enabled me to learn important skills in communication, continual improvement, collaboration, empowerment and respect and I’m using these newly found skills every day.

“I would strongly recommend this course to others who want to challenge their current beliefs and perceptions in relation to managing and leading.”

TAFE NSW Leadership and Management Teacher, Elizabeth O’Donnell, said Steven was a committed student who worked hard to achieve his study goals.

“TAFE NSW helped Steven be in control of his study journey equipping him with hands-on skills through flexible training options, allowing him to work and study at the same time. I commend him for his outstanding work and I have no doubt he will continue to step up and take on new challenges in his career.

“It’s great to see that he is also encouraging his staff to complete leadership and management training at TAFE NSW as he values the difference upskilling has made to his life.

Courses in leadership and management are now available for semester one enrolment. Visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515.