Career Shifters: Meet a former ESL teacher who changed careers and never looked back
Photo source: Megan George
Sometimes, change is closer than you think.
Diving into an entirely new industry can be confronting – however, you may already have the transferrable skills to jump straight in, or even choose to undertake a short course to get you up to speed. It’s hard to figure out what you want in life, but taking a small steps is sometimes all you need to define your career path.
Once you overcome the initial intimidation of the unknown when changing jobs, the reward is oh so satisfying!
Meet Freddy
For over four years, Freddy Grant has been the PR and Communications Manager at Bluethumb – Australia’s largest art marketplace. The online art gallery helps to connect collectors, art lovers and interior designers that have a mutual admiration of emerging and established local artists and are looking to buy art online.
However, Freddy wasn’t always thriving in the communications industry. Previous to his current role, he was working as an ESL (English Second Language) teacher. Although Freddy enjoyed teaching, he always felt that he’d be much better suited to a career in public relations and all things communications. So, he decided to make a change and move into more of the administration-side of things. With the help of his now husband, Freddy was given the help he needed to make the transition into his new career as a PR and Comms professional.
I realised that a lot of the skills I had and a lot of the things I was doing was marketing – I was running the social media and planning events.
The History of
Bluethumb was started in 2011 by brothers Ed and George Hartley. Coming from a very artsy household with an entrepreneurial father, the idea of starting a business was ingrained from the very beginning.
The two went off to have seperate careers, however decided to come back together when they came up with an idea to fill this very obvious gap in the market: a way for artists to get their art in front of people directly.
Bluethumb has
sold over
artworks
Whereas musicians had Soundcloud, artists had no place to sell their art – so the idea came about that they would start their own marketplace.
There was nothing quite like it in Australia at the time, and that’s where Bluethumb fits in.
Education Background
Education
Freddy graduated with first class honours in 2007, using his qualification to eventually help him to pursue his passions. Like in Freddy’s case, it is the little things like a confidence boost in your industry area that can be the nudge that you need to go after a career in something you love.
Looking to study art and tighten up your fine art knowledge? A short Art Appreciation Course sounds like it could be right up your alley and a great career pathway to take your next professional step.
I feel lucky that I did that [qualification] before I came to Bluethumb, because I don’t feel intimidated when I’m surrounded by artists or curators. I can pretend I know what they’re talking about!
Explore Bluethumb’s Insta Feed
Source: INSTA @bluethumbart
The Gig
What is PR? PR and Communications professionals create, employ and evaluate communication strategies that craft the perception and favourable view of a business, its goods and services, and the role it plays within the community. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no day is the same, love people and have a creative and strategic mindset, this role could be the one for you.
PR and Communications Tasks:
Think you’re cut out for a PR and Communications gig? Check out our public relations and communications courses, to help you build up your specialised skill set when changing careers.
“It’s definitely the best job that I’ve ever had, and a job that I’m really proud of.”
Browse Courses TodayKeen on sharing your career change or ‘industry insider’ story?
Get in touch here.
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Courses found:
Certificate II in Engineering Studies “Mechanical, Fabrication and Composites” (VIC ONLY) 22209VIC
Are you hoping to secure an apprenticeship and develop an engineering career in the metal fabrication, manufacturing or mechanical field? This course will give you the entry-level skills and knowledge to work in the engineering industry and increase yo...
Job Outcomes
- Apprentice in metal or mechanical trade
Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical) (VIC ONLY) BSB31115
Are you just starting out in the workforce or planning a career change, and looking to work in a medical office environment? This course provides a sound basis, particularly if you are starting with little or no administrative or technical skills. The...
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- Medical receptionist
- Medical records clerk
- Medical secretary
- Administration assistant
Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management (VIC ONLY) AHC31416
Do you have an interest in the environment, enjoy being outdoors and hands-on work? Then this program is ideal for you. The course will equip you with comprehensive skills and knowledge to enter a range of natural resource management industries....
Job Outcomes
- Natural area restoration officer
- Landcare project officer
- Conservation crew team member
- Bush regeneration program member
- Pest control crew or contractor
- Environmental team member
Certificate III in Sports Turf Management (VIC ONLY) AHC40416
Are you interested in becoming a greenkeeper? This course will equip you with theoretical and practical skills and knowledge in all aspects of turf management. It is delivered as a horticulture apprenticeship where you are employed in the industry, in...
Job Outcomes
- Greenkeeper/Turf Manager
Diploma of Horticulture (VIC ONLY) AHC50416
Are you working in a field of horticulture, and would like to take your career to the next level? This course equips you with comprehensive knowledge and a range of higher-end plant skills to prepare you for supervisory and management positions. It is...
Job Outcomes
- Horticultural manager in area of specialty.
- Consultant.
- Senior botanic gardener.
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (VIC ONLY) BSB41415
Are you looking for a career in Work Health and Safety (WHS)? This course provides training for those either seeking to enter a WHS role or who are already working in some form of WHS capacity, such as a safety coordinator, in a workplace setting....
Job Outcomes
- Work health and safety officer
Diploma of Sports Turf Management (VIC ONLY) AHC51016
Are you working in a sports turf environment, and would like to take your career to the next level? This course equips you with the latest industry skills and knowledge and covers a range of topics to prepare you for supervisory, management or consulta...
Job Outcomes
- Golf course superintendent
- Head groundsperson
- Turf consultant
- Curator of cricket and football ovals
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (VIC ONLY) SIT30816
Do you want to become a qualified cook or chef? If you love food and cooking, being creative and working in a team then this could be a career for you....
Job Outcomes
- Qualified cook/chef
- Head chef
- Kitchen attendant
- Catering team assistant
Diploma of Engineering – Technical (VIC ONLY) MEM50212
Are you looking to develop your engineering career, or gain practical engineering experience before undertaking a university degree? This course is designed for those wanting to work as an engineering technician, carrying out tasks such as engineering...
Job Outcomes
- Engineering technician – design
- Engineering technician – quality and assurance
- Engineering supervisor/project manager/planner
Certificate IV in Patisserie (VIC ONLY) SIT40716
Do you dream of running your own patisserie kitchen? This course equips you with a pastry chef qualification, along with additional management and leadership skills to operate at a supervisory level....
Job Outcomes
- Pastry chef (supervisor/team leader)
- Catering manager
Diploma of Remedial Massage (VIC ONLY) HLT52015
Are you looking to develop a career as an unsupervised remedial massage therapist? This massage course will give you comprehensive skills and knowledge to develop your career and register with the peak industry association. ...
Job Outcomes
- Remedial massage Therapist
- Specialist in sports massage
- Specialist in therapeutic massage
Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (VIC ONLY) SIT40516
Are you looking for more than a standard cook’s qualification, or perhaps dream of managing your own professional kitchen? This course will equip you with all the skills expected of a cook, along with the knowledge to manage a dynamic and innovative ki...
Job Outcomes
- Head chef
- Catering manager
- Chef de Partie
- Sous chef
Certificate III in Individual Support (VIC ONLY) CHC33015
Do you have a compassionate nature and good people skills? A career in aged care, disability, or home and community care could be for you. This is a new qualification that replaces the Certificate III in Aged Care, Certificate III in Home and Communit...
Job Outcomes
- Personal care worker
- Disability worker
- Aged care worker
Diploma of Beauty Therapy (VIC ONLY) SHB50115
Would you like to become a qualified beauty therapist working in a salon, day spa, resort spa, or international spa? This diverse beauty therapy course equips you with advanced skills and knowledge to work at a senior level in the industry. Our diploma...
Job Outcomes
- Senior beauty therapist
- Beauty therapy salon manager/owner
- Spa therapist
- Beauty trainer
Certificate II in Horticulture (VIC ONLY) AHC20416
Are you looking to enter the horticulture industry, or perhaps get a taste for the trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This entry-level horticulture course is designed to give you the core skills and knowledge for the industry, and introduce yo...
Job Outcomes
- Nursery assistant
- Landscape assistant
- Parks and gardens assistant
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC ONLY) CHC50113
Do you love interacting with young children, and would like to be involved in their early development, education and care? This course will equip you with skills and knowledge to develop, evaluate and implement programs for babies, infants, pre-school...
Job Outcomes
- Qualified childcare worker – room leader
- Qualified out of school hours coordinator
- Kindergarden assistant/3yo group teacher
- Nanny
- Family day carer
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (VIC ONLY) CPC40110
If you are looking to move into estimating/supervision roles within the domestic building industry this course will prove to be a valuable tool. During this course, currently run using MBAV resources and support, you will learn estimating principles, ...
Job Outcomes
- Estimator
- Building supervisor
- Contracts Administration
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC ONLY) CHC30113
Do you love the idea of working with children? This entry-level childcare course will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a trained assistant in the children’s services sector....
Job Outcomes
- Family day carer
- Nanny
- Out of school care assistant
- Childcare assistant (supervised)
Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) (VIC ONLY) 22304VIC
Are you looking to enter the plumbing industry, or get a taste for the trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This pre-apprenticeship course is designed to give you the core skills and knowledge for the industry, and increase your opportunities to...
Job Outcomes
- Apprentice in the plumbing or building industry
Certificate III in Community Services (VIC ONLY) CHC32015
Are you considering a career in the community services sector, perhaps in social welfare or community development? Do you have good communication skills and a willingness to help people? This entry-level community services course is a great starting po...
Job Outcomes
- Community Health Support Worker
- Youth Support Worker
- Case Support Worker
- Residential Support Worker
- Volunteer Co-ordinator
Online courses also available
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