Turf's up: Levi's leadership journey
From apprentice greenkeeper to aspiring senior manager, Gold Coast local Levi Brophy is proof that a great career doesn't have to follow a straight line. Sometimes, the secret to getting ahead is going back… to the classroom.
City of Gold Coast Turf Management Venues Leader, Levi Brophy, has built an impressive career working on the region’s green spaces. Now, with the help of TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420), he’s setting his sights on senior management.
Featured in TAFE Queensland's new ‘Make Your Great Happen’ campaign, Levi hopes his story will inspire others to pursue their ambitions, regardless of age.
“When I started my apprenticeship years ago, I didn't really want to go to university to do anything business-wise, because I was ‘hands-on’,” Levi reflected.
“But then later on in life I realised that, actually, maybe I want to do this, especially management."
“And I knew that I had to have a different skill set for that."
"Also, over the years, the workplace has changed. And I wanted to make sure that, especially with technology, that I would have the aptitude to undertake this."
Determined to develop his skills and prepare for senior management opportunities, Levi enrolled at TAFE Queensland's Robina campus.
“With the Diploma, it's business, it's finance, HR and safety risks in the workplace,” he said.
“I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to get out of it when I enrolled. But through all of this, over the last ten months, I've learned a lot about HR, working with different cultures, diversity, and just about myself and about how to be a good leader,” Levi shared.
Having completed a horticulture qualification with TAFE Queensland in 2012, Levi was no stranger to vocational education and training. However, returning to the classroom after years in the workforce was initially daunting.
“Day one, when we walked into the classroom at Robina, I was a bit nervous,” he recalled.
“But then I sat down, and after 15 minutes, with my teacher explaining what this course was about, I said, ‘this is for me, and this is what I want to do’.”
Balancing full-time work with study has been made easier thanks to flexible learning options, including recorded classes and online resources, along with ongoing support from his teachers.
“The teachers at TAFE Queensland have been amazing. I found over the years they've always been supportive and it's given me the confidence knowing that if I'm struggling, you can send an email, give them a call, they'll help you,” he said.
“I've learned a lot with my classmates and the teacher, and the networking has been fantastic.”
Levi is already applying his new skills at work, drawing on his growing knowledge of leadership, workplace diversity, human resources and business management.
“The skills I'm learning have helped me with my job on a daily basis. And moving forward, I think I'm going to be a way better leader.”
For Levi, this means helping others reach their potential.
Having mentored apprentices throughout his career, he takes particular pride in watching them complete their qualifications and progress into new roles.
“I get more out of that knowing that one of my apprentices has kicked on,” he said.
Beyond the practical skills, Levi says returning to study has given him something equally valuable: confidence in his abilities.
“The biggest thing I've learned about myself would be that I can do it. I've got self-confidence,” he shared.
“Because 20 years ago, I probably wouldn't say that. But now going to TAFE Queensland, it's given me that.”
And with ambitions to progress into senior management and continue mentoring others, Levi isn't ready to stop learning just yet.
"Over the years, I've missed out on a lot of positions. But now I've been doing this course, it's a prerequisite for a lot of upper management positions. So it's definitely put me in good stead to better myself."
He's also already considering his next qualification, either a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) or a Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320).
"I'm never going to stop learning. And that's where TAFE Queensland's given me that opportunity. So what happens in two years? Not too sure. Four years? Not too sure. But today, I know that at TAFE, I'm becoming a better person."
For someone who once doubted whether returning to the classroom was the right move, Levi now has a simple message for anyone considering further study.
“You're never too late for personal development. If I can do it, anyone can do it.”