Melanie Mackie: A Light in the Dark for Vocational Training

Ian Oliver, CEO of National Training, commented on Melanie Mackie’s achievement in receiving the Overall Trainee of the Year across All Vocations Award, stating, “It is great to see the recognition and confirmation that Vocational Training does have an important role to play in the developing skills for the Australian workforce.”

Melanie Mackie worked with the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) to assist 53 women living in social housing and with a host of disadvantaged backgrounds, to access vocational education and break into the aged care sector. She has been a massive part of aiding these women in realising their own potential. And it all started with her own journey through the vocational education system.

Melanie received a frontline management qualification that gave her the confidence to deliver presentations in public, particularly her breakthrough program, “how to invest in yourself.” Prior to her qualification, Melanie hadn’t really spoken in public for over 20 years.

During her acceptance speech, Mackie stated, “I believe there’s a reason I stand here tonight to receive an award for vocational education and training [VET] – that there’s a message I am meant to deliver. We as a community, as educators, as parents need to send a message to our young people that VET is a real option. It is inclusive, accessible, practical, flexible and attainable.”

Ian Oliver lauded that thought and continued, “All of the negative press and huge debts that have been created by the rogue operators of private RTOs have muddied the waters of what vocational training actually does for our workforce, for the Australian people. There are some quality private RTO operators that offer affordable Diplomas and Certificates that support people’s careers and employment opportunities. Well done, Melanie!”

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