Project management empowers Annette’s future

A seasoned project administrator and proud Pitta Pitta and Waluwarra woman, Annette has worked in the project management industry for over a decade.

Yet despite her extensive experience, she knew a formal qualification was the key to unlocking her full potential.

“I’d wanted to complete accredited training since 1989, but raising young children as a single parent made it difficult to find the time and support needed to study,” Annette explained.

Despite a domestic abuse situation disrupting her certificate III in administration studies in 1995, she persevered and completed her qualification with TAFE Mount Isa thanks to the support of her family, friends and teachers.

“I had fond memories of studying with TAFE in Mount Isa. It provided a great foundation, and I felt safe with my peers and teachers supporting me. That experience taught me that no matter your educational background, even if you didn’t finish high school, you’re never too old to get an education.”

Annette has worked in various project administration and sales roles based in Mount Isa and Brisbane for 27 years, spending 22 years in Brisbane, where she has settled to continue her career as a project administrator.

Wanting to expand her career prospects, she enrolled in an online course in 2021, but the lack of support from her teachers led her to shift her studies to TAFE Queensland.

“Knowing I needed the right credentials, I spoke to my cousin’s wife, who works at TAFE Queensland, about my struggles in transitioning to a different career,” she explained.

That discussion with her sister, who provided motivation and support, reignited her passion to formalise her skills and overcome the barriers she faced when applying for roles without formal qualifications.

“Even though I had the experience, not having qualifications hindered my progress in applications and interviews. I wanted to challenge myself and step into something new,” Annette said.

She then enrolled in the Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820) at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus - a course that boosted her skills and rebuilt her confidence.

“Although I was completely overwhelmed initially, the teachers reassured me that my feelings were normal and guided me. TAFE Queensland’s training environment was relaxed, supportive and encouraging, which made all the difference,” she said.

Annette found that the blend of practical skills and supportive teaching helped her thrive throughout her studies.

This course gave Annette the specialised knowledge and advanced skills to manage project scopes, project costs, risk and quality. 

“I realised I already had a lot of the skills, but I also learned a whole new world of knowledge, like Microsoft Project, which I’m keen to explore further,” she says.

“I’ve already been able to apply new practices at work - I’ve improved how we run meetings and manage documentation, and I feel more confident to share my ideas.”

These skills have only strengthened her capacity in her current role as Project Administrator at LFF Australia, where she has successfully delivered complex gas pipeline facilities contracts and offshore energy projects across Australia and South-East Asia.

As the driving force behind LFF Australia’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, Annette also helps foster meaningful connections with First Nations peoples, contributing to seamless collaboration on major regional projects.

Balancing study, work, and family was no small feat, and Annette credits careful planning, a supportive workplace and open communication with her family for helping her manage the juggle.

“I was fortunate my workplace let me adjust my hours to attend class, and my younger son was incredibly self-sufficient and supportive.”

Annette’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From navigating group dynamics to managing time pressures, her determination and teachers’ support helped her push through.

“This training gave me back my confidence, both personally and professionally. I’m now much more confident about pursuing new career paths and continuing to study,” she explained.

Her story is a powerful message to other single parents and mature-age students considering a return to education.

“If you’re ever given the opportunity, take it. Don’t delay. If you’re unsure, anxious or nervous - that’s normal. Just reach out to TAFE Queensland, ask questions, and you’ll be supported every step of the way,” she advised.

Annette’s resilience stems from her lived experiences and having faced and overcome domestic abuse as a young mother, and she now knows firsthand the power of education to change lives.

With her diploma complete, she’s passionate about using her skills to elevate her project management career and give back.

“My dream career is working in the community, helping my mob and mentoring others, with project management in the mix.”

“Eventually, I see myself semi-retired, using my skills to support my Mount Isa and Boulia community,” concluded Annette.