From Vision to Recognition

For almost 20 years, Churchill Education has helped Australians turn their experience into nationally recognised qualifications. What began as a vision has grown into a respected institution dedicated to helping people reach their potential.

Our History

Meet our co-founders Randall Smith & Tricia Velthuizen

Founded in 2006 by Randall Smith, a former Queensland police detective, and Tricia Velthuizen, a former Crown Prosecutor, Churchill Education was built on courage, compassion, and service.

After PTSD ended his policing career, Randall turned to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to showcase his skills—an experience that revealed how complex the process could be. Inspired, he made it his mission to help others navigate RPL and achieve recognition for their experience.

Under their guidance, Churchill Education has grown to support thousands of Australians, always staying true to its human-centred ethos.

Respecting Every Journey

We welcome people from all industries and backgrounds

We value and acknowledge every story and experience

We empower people to reach their full potential

We are a community that sees, supports and celebrates every person

Passing the Torch, Lighting the Future

From one family to another, Churchill Education continues its mission to turn real-world experience into nationally recognised qualifications.

After 19 years of dedication, Tricia and Randall recognised it was time to begin a new chapter. Through thoughtful conversations, trust, and what they affectionately call a “Churchill cross-examination,” they chose Major Training Group —a long standing Brisbane-based RTO, as the next custodians of their vision.

This transition is more than just a change of ownership—it’s the continuation of a legacy. The values, care, and commitment that shaped Churchill Education remain at its heart.

Today, Churchill is proudly led by Matthew and Michelle Tenkate (pictured), a husband-and-wife team with a shared vision of building a lifelong learning ecosystem that celebrates different learning styles and educational pathways for Australians. With extensive experience from Major Training, they bring fresh strength to Churchill’s mission of recognising skills and life experience through RPL.

From one family to another, the mission endures: to empower lifelong learning, champion diverse education pathways, and ensure Australians gain recognition for their skills, experience, and dedication.

Meet our Team

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Specialists

Churchill Education specialises in helping talented people from a wide range of industry backgrounds to convert their experience into nationally recognised qualifications.

Corporate Education Solutions

We have worked with a range of wonderful organisations including:

Queensland Boating & Fisheries Patrol

Office of Industrial Relations
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Queensland Health
Smart Service Queensland
Queensland Building and Construction Commission
Downer Group

Churchill and Community

Churchill Education operates from a landmark building in its local community of Samford, just outside Brisbane, and has a resolute commitment to its comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility program

View Corporate Social Responsibility Program

Celebrating Stories & Careers

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.

Be inspired by our graduate stories

Graduate Reviews

5.0

"It was very succinct with respect to what I had to produce, and within no time, to my surprise, my assessment came back with some substantial accreditation."

"You come out of Defence with a broad skill set, particularly in management and leadership, which are two things that are often spoken about but not completely understood."

"I was gobsmacked with the qualifications I was able to achieve. I knew I could get some due to my experience and skill set, but I just didn’t think I’d end up with four!"

"I was really impressed with how quick and professional Churchill was. They are there to help, they don’t beat around the bush, and they don’t leave you hanging."