Students undertaking the Learning Leverage Program achieve best possible start to planning for the future from real world PM’s.
Dr Elaine Roberts, who runs the program, explains the genesis of the program in the audio interview (above).
Author: Kate Hassen with thanks to contributors Naomi Holley and Dr Elaine Roberts.
Reflecting on the choices available to me on finishing Year 12 (some 30 years ago now) I wish I had an option like this available to me.
Whilst I eventually achieved my Diploma of Project Management in my early working life, my first foray into understanding what project management involved was as an unpaid event management ‘intern’ at one of the first global project management conferences held in Canberra by the AIPM in 1993.
The value of a program like the Leverage Learning Program cannot be understated as an option for school leavers or those navigating the decision-making process prior to graduation for either tertiary entrance, further study, or the competitive employment market.
Dr Roberts attributes the success of the program not only to the concept of project management building a platform for the student to succeed but also to the team that delivers the program. A team she describes of such depth in project management experience that any employer would be incredibly lucky to have them on board.
Naomi Holley, Head of Faculty – Student Pathways and Futures from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School shared her thoughts on the success of the LLP Program with us. St Margaret’s has been involved in the Leverage Learning Program for the last 7 and a half years.
Q: What sparked the schools/ your interest in participating in the Leverage Learning Program?
We have been impressed with the skills that the Diploma of Project Management has imparted on our students, including the skills of: project planning, communication, leadership, time management and problem solving.
Q: What benefits have the students found in having the extra skills and knowledge provided by the program?
Students who have participated in the Leverage Learning Program at St Margaret’s have reported a number of benefits from the extra skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program. These have included:
- improved communication – both in written and verbal forms; interpersonal relationships with peers, teachers and the wider community have also improved.
- leadership development – many students have found the program has assisted in their leadership development; learning to take charge in group projects, gaining more confidence in educational and workplace settings and collaborative activities.
- effective time management – this has been invaluable in helping students balance academic, extracurricular and part-time work commitments
- increase in grades – students have reported the skills acquired through the program have assisted them in increasing their GPA, particularly in year 12.
Additionally, the students have benefited from the Team Management Psychological Assessment, which played a unique role in their development throughout the Diploma. This assessment underscored the importance of recognising individual value regardless of where one falls on the psychological wheel. It encouraged the students to embrace diversity amongst themselves as a strength within teamwork. Furthermore, the fact that this assessment was conducted by independent professionals was especially beneficial.
Q: How do you see the program benefiting students when they become school leavers and seek employment or higher education?
The Diploma of Project Management provides St Margaret’s students with a well-rounded skill set and a competitive edge when seeking employing or pursuing higher education – in Queensland, a completed Diploma of Project Management can see a student get an ATAR ranking of between an 82 and 87, depending on the tertiary institution. In addition, the Diploma of Project Management equips students with the tools they need to success in various career paths.
Q: What type of feedback do you typically hear about the program from the students/ parents?
Students can sometimes approach the Diploma of Project Management with a degree of scepticism about how the program can assist in the development of their academics. As the program progresses, it is heart-warming to see students grow in confidence in their academic abilities; organisation and time management – parents also acknowledge a noticeable improvement!
Students also like that Leverage Learning uses independent markers – which providers the trainers with feedback on what was taught well, and what was perhaps not taught so well – providing opportunities for the work to be revisited.
Q: Is there a particular aspect that the students enjoy the most about the program?
Students have found several aspects of the program particularly enjoyable. Learning the skills of Microsoft Project have been a highlight. They have also expressed appreciation of the opportunities to collaborate with parents, sharing their acquired knowledge and showcasing their development of project management skills. Equally rewarding, although nerve wracking at the same time, is the chance to present their work to a broader audience during the graduation evening. This experience fills them with a sense of pride, often marking their first taste of such accomplishment.
Q: How have you found being involved in the program with Transformed as a delivery partner?
Our partnership with Transformed as a delivery partner has been excellent. Transformed has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, expertise, and commitment to the success of the Leverage Learning Program. They have been instrumental in delivering the program effectively, ensuring that it aligns with our educational goals and provides students with valuable skills.
Other Links:
The program was also profiled in the Australian Institute of Project Managements magazine – Winter 2022 edition ‘Paradigm Shift’. Read it here – https://issuu.com/AIPMMagazine/docs/paradigm_shift_winter_2022_final/s/16037088
Students undertaking the Learning Leverage Program achieve best possible start to planning for the future from real world PM’s.
Author: Kate Hassen with thanks to contributors Naomi Holley and Dr Elaine Roberts.
Reflecting on the choices available to me on finishing Year 12 (some 30 years ago now) I wish I had an option like this available to me.
Whilst I eventually achieved my Diploma of Project Management in my early working life, my first foray into understanding what project management involved was as an unpaid event management ‘intern’ at one of the first global project management conferences held in Canberra by the AIPM in 1993.
The value of a program like the Leverage Learning Program cannot be understated as an option for school leavers or those navigating the decision-making process prior to graduation for either tertiary entrance, further study, or the competitive employment market.
Dr Elaine Roberts, who runs the program, explains the genesis of the program in this interview (add audio link).
Dr Roberts attributes the success of the program not only to the concept of project management building a platform for the student to succeed but also to the team that delivers the program. A team she describes of such depth in project management experience that any employer would be incredibly lucky to have them on board.
Naomi Holley, Head of Faculty – Student Pathways and Futures from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School shared her thoughts on the success of the LLP Program with us. St Margaret’s has been involved in the Leverage Learning Program for the last 7 and a half years.
Q: What sparked the schools/ your interest in participating in the Leverage Learning Program?
We have been impressed with the skills that the Diploma of Project Management has imparted on our students, including the skills of: project planning, communication, leadership, time management and problem solving.
Q: What benefits have the students found in having the extra skills and knowledge provided by the program?
Students who have participated in the Leverage Learning Program at St Margaret’s have reported a number of benefits from the extra skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program. These have included:
- improved communication – both in written and verbal forms; interpersonal relationships with peers, teachers and the wider community have also improved.
- leadership development – many students have found the program has assisted in their leadership development; learning to take charge in group projects, gaining more confidence in educational and workplace settings and collaborative activities.
- effective time management – this has been invaluable in helping students balance academic, extracurricular and part-time work commitments
- increase in grades – students have reported the skills acquired through the program have assisted them in increasing their GPA, particularly in year 12.
Additionally, the students have benefited from the Team Management Psychological Assessment, which played a unique role in their development throughout the Diploma. This assessment underscored the importance of recognising individual value regardless of where one falls on the psychological wheel. It encouraged the students to embrace diversity amongst themselves as a strength within teamwork. Furthermore, the fact that this assessment was conducted by independent professionals was especially beneficial.
Q: How do you see the program benefiting students when they become school leavers and seek employment or higher education?
The Diploma of Project Management provides St Margaret’s students with a well-rounded skill set and a competitive edge when seeking employing or pursuing higher education – in Queensland, a completed Diploma of Project Management can see a student get an ATAR ranking of between an 82 and 87, depending on the tertiary institution. In addition, the Diploma of Project Management equips students with the tools they need to success in various career paths.
Q: What type of feedback do you typically hear about the program from the students/ parents? Note: Perhaps contrast from start of the program to the end of the program?
Students can sometimes approach the Diploma of Project Management with a degree of scepticism about how the program can assist in the development of their academics. As the program progresses, it is heart-warming to see students grow in confidence in their academic abilities; organisation and time management – parents also acknowledge a noticeable improvement!
Students also like that Leverage Learning uses independent markers – which providers the trainers with feedback on what was taught well, and what was perhaps not taught so well – providing opportunities for the work to be revisited.
Q: Is there a particular aspect that the students enjoy the most about the program?
Students have found several aspects of the program particularly enjoyable. Learning the skills of Microsoft Project have been a highlight. They have also expressed appreciation of the opportunities to collaborate with parents, sharing their acquired knowledge and showcasing their development of project management skills. Equally rewarding, although nerve wracking at the same time, is the chance to present their work to a broader audience during the graduation evening. This experience fills them with a sense of pride, often marking their first taste of such accomplishment.
Q: How have you found being involved in the program with Transformed as a delivery partner?
Our partnership with Transformed as a delivery partner has been excellent. Transformed has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, expertise, and commitment to the success of the Leverage Learning Program. They have been instrumental in delivering the program effectively, ensuring that it aligns with our educational goals and provides students with valuable skills.
Other Links:
The program was also profiled in the Australian Institute of Project Managements magazine – Winter 2022 edition ‘Paradigm Shift’. Read it here – https://issuu.com/AIPMMagazine/docs/paradigm_shift_winter_2022_final/s/16037088
