Aaron Rebuilt His Career with RPL at 55
How RPL helped Aaron gain qualifications, secure meaningful work, and overcome career setbacks later in life
Construction and Project Management“Getting those qualifications made all the difference in getting back into work.”
Highest Qualification Achieved
BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management
Other Qualification Achieved
BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management
BSB50120 Diploma of Business
Key Outcomes at a Glance
Aaron gained qualifications, secured employment, and regained confidence in his career direction.
Supervisor of Facilities and Projects
Job Level
Diploma of Project Management
Diploma
Recognition of Existing Skills and Experience
RPL Completion
Construction, Project Management, Facilities Management, Government Infrastructure
Industry
Supervisor of Facilities and Projects
Job Level
Diploma of Project Management
Diploma
Recognition of Existing Skills and Experience
RPL Completion
Construction, Project Management, Facilities Management, Government Infrastructure
Industry
Background and Starting Point
Aaron Butteriss built a long career in construction and project delivery, gaining extensive experience but lacking formal qualifications to support it.
Previous Role
Construction Supervisor and Project Coordinator
Industry Sector
Construction, Government Infrastructure, Project Management
What He Sought
Seeking formal recognition to re-enter the workforce
The Journey Begins
1
Decades of Industry Experience
Aaron spent over 40 years in construction, progressing from trades to senior project roles, including delivering large-scale government infrastructure projects.
2
Career Setback Later in Life
After leaving a role that did not meet expectations, he found himself unemployed at 55 and facing strong competition.
3
Barrier of Formal Qualifications
Despite extensive experience, he lacked recognised qualifications, which limited his ability to secure new roles.
Why Churchill Education?
Why Aaron Decided on RPL with Churchill
Churchill provided a clear and supportive way to formalise Aaron’s experience.
“They guided me through turning my experience into something employers could recognise.”
Key Reasons
Introduced through a government support program
Clear and supportive guidance
Ability to gain multiple diplomas
Faster than returning to study
Direct relevance to career goals
RPL converted decades of experience into recognised qualifications
Aaron gathered evidence from his career and submitted it for assessment. The assessors reviewed his experience across construction, leadership, and project delivery, confirming his eligibility for multiple diplomas.
Journey with Churchill
Working with his advisor, Aaron compiled evidence from his aviation and emergency services background. Assessors reviewed his experience, projects, and responsibilities to confirm competency at an advanced level.
Phase 01
Initial Enquiry
Discovered RPL through a government support program.
Phase 02
Evidence Submission
Provided documentation from past roles and projects.
Phase 03
Assessment Review
Experience evaluated against national qualification standards.
Phase 04
Qualification Awarded
Achieved three nationally recognised diplomas.
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
Overcoming age barriers and lack of formal recognition
Who this is suitable for
Challenge 1: Competing Without Formal Qualifications
Aaron struggled to secure employment due to age, strong competition, and not having formal qualifications despite decades of experience.
Solution: Recognised Diplomas Through RPL
RPL provided recognised diplomas that clearly demonstrated his capabilities, helping him stand out in job applications and interviews.
Challenge 2: Limited Access to Work Evidence
Limited access to past work evidence after leaving previous roles made it difficult to fully demonstrate his experience.
Solution: Using Available Evidence Effectively
He gathered available documentation and successfully used it to achieve qualifications, highlighting the importance of keeping records throughout a career.
Career Outcome and Impact
RPL strengthened Aaron’s confidence and positioned him for advanced WHS roles.
Current Position
Facilities & Projects Supervisor
Construction & Project LeadershipThree Diplomas Achieved
Achieved three nationally recognised diplomas
Secured New Role
Secured a project management role
Career Restart Success
Re-entered the workforce successfully
Stronger Job Confidence
Gained renewed confidence and purpose
The RPL Experience
The process allowed Aaron to continue job applications while completing RPL.
Simple and Efficient
Process was straightforward and easy to complete.
Supportive Guidance
Received consistent communication and assistance.
Career-Focused Outcome
Directly supported job applications and interviews.
Highly Rewarding
Delivered both professional and personal satisfaction.
Aaron's Guidance to Others
Encouraging experienced professionals to formalise their skills early and keep evidence to support future career opportunities.
“The process was straightforward. I gathered what I had and worked with the team to get it assessed. Once I had my qualifications, I was able to present them at an interview straight away. It made a real difference and helped me secure a role that I truly value.”
Looking Back: Reflection and Summary
Aaron used RPL to re-enter the workforce and secure meaningful work
Career Restart
Returned to workforce at 55
Formal Recognition
Validated decades of experience
Job Secured
Gained project management role
Simple Process
Easy and guided experience
Renewed Confidence
Regained purpose and direction