Partnerships Manager and former Senior Constable, Evan Szawejko, has a career path that is a testament to the power of leveraging experience and qualifications for continued professional growth.
Starting his career in law enforcement with the Queensland Police Service, he successfully transitioned to a senior role with the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA), the peak industry body for fire safety professionals. After moving up the ranks with FPA, he embarked on a career with Transport for NSW.
Challenges & Initial Steps:
When Evan first approached Churchill Education in 2021, he was in an auditing and compliance role at FPA. Although FPA offered professional development (PD) opportunities, Evan proposed the idea of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as a way to more effectively acknowledge his experience.
The result? He obtained BSB50920 Diploma of Quality Auditing, setting the foundation for further professional education.
Later that year, he achieved PSP50416 Diploma of Government and Investigations, once again through RPL, showcasing his ability to adapt his skills for different sectors.
Rapid Career Advancement with Transferrable Skills and RPL
Career Growth & New Challenges
Since 2021, Evan’s career has flourished. He secured a role at Transport for NSW, where he now manages the Road Safety Partnership with NSW Police.
In this capacity, Evan oversees large-scale road safety enforcement programs that target unsafe driving behaviours, such as drink and drug driving, speeding, and fatigue. He also manages key programs like roadside drug testing, a significant initiative with a target of 200,000 roadside drug tests for NSW Police.
His work bridges the gap between these two large organisations, requiring him to navigate differences in objectives and strategies. His role as a subject matter expert ensures that programs run smoothly and that both parties are aligned in achieving their shared goals.
Transferable Skills and RPL Impact
Throughout his career, Evan has consistently relied on transferable skills such as auditing, compliance, and investigation. These skills have proven valuable in his transition from law enforcement to roles in both compliance and project management.
For Evan, RPL has been key in recognising and formalising the vast expertise he brings to each new role.
By obtaining qualifications that match his work experience, he has built a strong professional foundation that aligns with his career trajectory.
The Importance of Continued Education
Evan’s passion for career growth and professional development hasn’t stopped with his existing qualifications.
He is currently exploring further RPL options, including BSB60720 Advanced Diploma of Programme Management, to reflect his experience in managing complex programs.
This reflects his ongoing desire to grow professionally, as well as his recognition of the importance of formal qualifications in advancing his career.
His role at Transport for NSW is an excellent example of the significance of transferable skills—skills developed over time and through various positions.
These skills are now helping him advance into senior management roles. Notably, he has begun taking on recruitment responsibilities within his team, ensuring that new hires are well-aligned with the program’s needs.
Looking Ahead
Evan’s future career goals are clear: to step into more senior management positions within Transport for NSW, with a focus on road safety.
He aims to contribute to meaningful work that positively impacts the community, particularly in reducing road trauma.
He believes that achieving career milestones, including gaining additional qualifications through RPL, is crucial to setting the stage for leadership roles and driving long-term change in his industry.
Evan’s journey is a shining example of how RPL can enhance a career. His proactive approach to recognising and formalising his experience has helped him achieve success in each of his roles.
Churchill Education has ensured that his skills and qualifications align with his evolving career ambitions. With a clear vision for the future and a commitment to continuous improvement, Evan is poised for continued success.
If you would like to explore your eligibility for qualifications through the RPL pathway, we encourage you to apply for a free appraisal here, or via any of the methods below.
