TAFE Queensland partners with YOUI to deliver leadership skills

The Sunshine Coast’s global insurance powerhouse Youi has selected TAFE Queensland as the study provider to deliver extensive and world-class learning opportunities for its staff.

Youi Global Head of Learning and Development Debra Kraft said the company was impressed with the suite of approximately 60 units TAFE Queensland allowed Youi to choose from to tailor an 18-month Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB51918) for their staff.

Ms Kraft said the diploma’s units perfectly aligned with the business model for Youi, which has a staff of more than 1500, based mainly in Queensland, but also around Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

“We are a proud Sunshine Coast-based company and we wanted to support a local training provider, while TAFE Queensland is a strong brand, known for their integrity and consistent delivery,” Ms Kraft said.

“What sets TAFE Queensland apart as a provider is their range of units, and we worked closely with their hard-working team in selecting the units. Our TAFE trainers were passionate, knowledgeable, caring and flexible.”

TAFE Queensland Business Development Lead (East Coast region) Dean Sherwell said the training delivered to Youi’s staff covered several areas including finance, social media, and marketing.

“It was great to tailor an accredited course for Youi, who are such a strong brand to align ourselves with,” he said.

“Youi were happy with how the facilitated workshops were set up, and how we were able to tailor their work as live examples of achieving an accredited course.’’

Ms Kraft said she was proud of the 10 Youi staff members who graduated recently with a Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB51918).

“We identified several leadership candidates in our organisation who had no formal qualifications, and we wanted to give them the opportunity to study an accredited program,’’ Ms Kraft said.

“TAFE Queensland has a campus near our Sippy Downs headquarters, and our applicants had the opportunity to use a blended approach, by studying online as well as face-to-face."

“Since starting the diploma last year, a couple of the graduates have been successful with their promotions. Studying the diploma was looked on favourably, knowing these staff members were keen to commit to such an incredible study opportunity,” she said.

Ms Kraft was impressed with many of the diploma’s units, with a unit about developing and using emotional intelligence particularly helpful.

“A lot of the theory and practice complimented what we already do here in-house with leadership programs at Youi, wrapping it up well with key concepts, themes and methodologies,’’ Ms Kraft said.

“At Youi we are continually committed to developing a high-performance culture and developing emotional intelligence is a key trait for leaders, who need to learn to respond and react intrinsically when handling staff. It is a great subject to foster a collaborative working environment."

“We want to continue our relationship with TAFE Queensland and are in negotiation with TAFE Queensland so we can provide more learning opportunities for our staff to upskill,” she said.

Mr Sherwell said he was thrilled with Youi’s positive experience of TAFE Queensland’s study options, and that the relationship with Youi is set to continue for the future.

“TAFE Queensland is flexible when working with businesses and teams of people. We want people to know they can complete a diploma while working, and use elements of their job to achieve an outcome," she said.

“We place value in acknowledging the activities and the work people already do in a qualification setting. TAFE Queensland has a strong ability to contextualise a diploma program to meet an organisation’s needs.”