The People Behind Churchill Education
Carrying the Flame Foward
From one family to another, Churchill Education continues its mission to turn real-world experience into nationally recognised qualifications.
Churchill Education is proudly led by Matthew and Michelle Tenkate (pictured), a husband-and-wife team with a shared vision: to build a lifelong learning ecosystem for Australians.
For nearly two decades, Churchill Education has empowered Australians across the country, to transform their experience into national qualifications.
What began as a vision on a bedroom desk by founders Randall Smith and Tricia Velthuizen, has grown into a nationally respected institution, guided by a simple principle: helping people achieve their potential.
Meet the Founders
Churchill Education was founded in 2006 by Randall Smith, a former Queensland police detective, and Tricia Velthuizen, a former Crown Prosecutor. As a husband-and-wife team, they shared a commitment to courage, compassion, and service.
Randall’s RPL journey began when his policing career came to a sudden end due to PTSD. His skills and experience were substantial, but he had no qualifications that meant anything outside police. He turned to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), to show potential employers what he was capable of.
Randall gained a range of qualifications, but was surprised at how complicated and time-consuming the process was. Ultimately this experience became the foundation of his next career – helping others through the RPL process!
Under Tricia and Randall’s guidance, Churchill Education grew, evolving to meet the needs of thousands of Australians while staying true to its human-centred ethos.
Passing the Torch
After 19 years of dedication, Tricia and Randall recognised it was time to begin a new chapter. Through careful conversations, trust-building, and what they affectionately call a “Churchill cross-examination,” they chose Major Training Group – a long standing Brisbane-based Registered Training Organisation, as the next stewards of their vision.
This transition isn’t just about ownership—it’s about legacy. The values, commitment, and personal care that defined Churchill Education live on!
Matthew and Michelle bring a wealth of experience from Major Training, complementing Churchill’s focus on RPL and recognising life and industry experience.
From one family to another, the mission remains unchanged: to empower lifelong learning, champion multiple education pathways and support Australians to achieve recognition for their skills, experience, and dedication.
Churchill Education is a place where people are seen, supported, and celebrated!
Meet the Team
Paul Kulpa
CEO
Paul knows careers are rarely straight lines—they’re stories of growth and reinvention. As CEO of Churchill Education, he’s proud to carry forward the legacy of integrity and care established by founders Randall and Tricia.
A husband to Rebecca and dad to Henry, Rose and Patrick, Paul’s home life is lively (and soon may include a family dog, if the kids have their way!).
With experience across education, business and government, Paul has spent his career helping people turn real-world experience into recognised qualifications. That’s why he’s so passionate about Churchill’s mission.
“Behind every qualification is a story of courage. RPL helps people see the skills they already have and step confidently into their next chapter.”
Carmen Hunwardsen
Career & Education Advisor
Carmen understands career change because she’s lived it—truck driver, designer, chiropractor, counsellor, and now guide for those navigating their own transitions. Originally from Iowa, she moved to Australia with her two sons and has built a life defined by resilience, compassion, and reinvention.
At Churchill Education, Carmen helps people recognise the value of their experience and take confident steps forward through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
“You can start over at any point in life. It won’t be easy, but if you know your “why,” you’ll find a way.”
Amanda Smith
Career & Education Advisor
Amanda Smith’s career spans aviation, business ownership, education, and now her role as Career and Education Advisor at Churchill Education. After 20 years with Qantas and seven years running her own business, Amanda found her true calling in helping others recognise the value of their lived experience through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Her own journey—from burnout to clarity on the Camino de Santiago—shaped the compassion and purpose she brings to her work today.
“If I can do anything, it’s to help someone see their worth. I want to be that person who gets to say: look what you’ve done. Celebrate it.”
Sarah Tom
Career & Education Advisor
Sarah’s time living and working in Japan shaped how she sees both language and work. Alongside her own career transitions—from Pilates Instructor to Communications & Community Relations Officer, to now helping others navigate change—she’s held onto the Japanese phrase “Otsukaresama deshita.”
It’s a simple, respectful way of saying “Great job!” that acknowledges the effort behind the outcome, and it continues to guide how she supports people in recognising their skills and next steps.
“Otsukaresama says, I see you, doing your best!”
Ben Castleton
Workforce Development Manager
Having faced redundancy without formal qualifications, Ben knows the value of turning hard work into something tangible. He brings experience across consulting, business training, sales leadership, and career advising, with deep knowledge of the VET sector and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Ben thrives at the intersection of people, process, and performance—improving systems, unlocking capability, and building cultures where people thrive. Husband to Annie and dad to Flynn and baby Jude.
“It’s never too late to give yourself the compliment of qualifications that show what you know.”
Corporate Solutions
Turn employee experience into nationally accredited qualifications through RPL.
Custom delivery model pathways to suit the needs of your organisation.
Mobile/onsite RPL Assessments
We have worked with a range of wonderful organisations including:
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Queensland Boating & Fisheries Patrol
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Office of Industrial Relations
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Department of Transport and Main Roads
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Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
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Queensland Health
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Smart Service Queensland
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Queensland Building and Construction Commission
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Downer Group
Our Values
Whatever qualifications you are seeking, whatever industry background, professional skills or life journey you bring with you, we welcome, respect and acknowledge your stories and experiences. Thank you for taking the time to read ours.
- BRAVERY
- AUTHENTICITY
- COMPASSION
- HUMOUR
- INTELLIGENCE
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