Central Coast News

Ms Goodman’s passion for continuous upskilling reflects a growing trend for skill enhancement among full-time professionals.

A recent report by specialised recruiter Robert Half reveals a significant surge in Australian employees seeking additional training, with almost half (49 per cent) of employers noting increased requests for skill enhancement.

While managing more than 200 staff for North Construction & Building, Ms Goodman pursued her latest qualification, a Certificate IV in Mental Health at TAFE NSW, after witnessing firsthand the pressure construction workers face.

“I am passionate about continuous learning, it enhances my employability, boosts my self-confidence and keeps me relevant in the industry,” Ms Goodman said.

“TAFE NSW has been pivotal in helping me advance my career and providing me with practical skills from classroom to the workplace on day one.

“I felt capable balancing work and education through choosing a virtual classroom delivery option.”

Armed with her newfound knowledge in mental health, Ms Goodman successfully implemented proactive policies to combat workplace gender discrimination and sexual harassment, prioritising prevention over reaction.

According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing report, nearly 20 per cent of Australians aged 16-85 saw a health professional between 2020-22, with construction workers being more than twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their peers.

Nicole Redmond, Director of People, Culture and Corporate Services at North Construction & Building said Ms Goodman’s commitment to wellbeing and continuous learning has improved her capacity to support employees.

“Real-world training from TAFE NSW equipped Julie-Anne with industry-specific tools, particularly valuable in such a mental health-affected sector, allowing her to positively impact people’s lives.” Ms Redmond said.