Using RPL to Validate Defence Experience and Step into Senior Compliance Roles: Matthew’s Story
From Navy Aviation Technician to Business Compliance Consultant
Defence, Mining & Compliance“RPL turns years of Navy experience into recognised qualifications that open doors to civilian careers.” – Matthew
Highest Qualification Achieved
BSB60120 Advanced Diploma of Business
BSB60420 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management
BSB60619 Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Other Qualification Achieved
BSB50920 Diploma of Quality Auditing
Key Outcomes at a Glance
With years of technical expertise and leadership experience, his career had already reached a high level in practice. However, formal recognition had not kept pace. Through RPL, he was able to align his real-world experience with nationally recognised qualifications—unlocking opportunities that truly reflected his professional standing.
Business Compliance Consultant
Job Level
Advanced Diplomas in Business, Leadership and WHS
Qualification
RPL Delivered at His Own Pace
RPL Completion
Defence, Mining, Construction & Compliance
Industry
Business Compliance Consultant
Job Level
Advanced Diplomas in Business, Leadership and WHS
Qualification
RPL Delivered at His Own Pace
RPL Completion
Defence, Mining, Construction & Compliance
Industry
Background and Starting Point
Matthew's career journey spans defence, mining, construction, and global compliance roles, working with leading organisations and handling complex responsibilities. Despite this depth of experience, his qualifications did not accurately represent his capabilities, resulting in him being assessed at a much lower level than his actual expertise.
Previous Roles
Royal Australian Navy Aviation Technician Mining (Cummins, Bridgestone, LeTourneau) Caterpillar Global Compliance Specialist Raytheon Quality Manager
Industry
Defence, Mining, Construction, Aerospace, Compliance
At This Point
Highly experienced but being assessed at Certificate III and IV level
Matthew's Journey Begins
1
Extensive Technical and Compliance Experience
Matthew built his career across defence, mining, and global organisations, specialising in high-risk compliance and certification environments.
2
Transferable Skills Gained
Compliance and regulatory management Leadership in high-risk industries Quality assurance and auditing Managing large-scale, high-value projects
3
The Hidden Problem
Despite operating at a senior level, his experience was being undervalued and misclassified without formal recognition.
Why Churchill Education?
Why Matthew Chose RPL with Churchill Education
“What I learned through years of service finally got the recognition it deserved—RPL made that possible.” – Matthew
Key Reasons
Didn’t accept being assessed below his true capability
Wanted a qualification that matched real-world experience
Needed a faster alternative to years of study
Was referred by a trusted industry contact
The Turning Point
Matthew reached a stage in his career where his real-world expertise was no longer being accurately recognised. Despite years of high-level experience, he was being assessed well below his capability. This moment became a catalyst—pushing him to challenge the system and take control of how his skills and experience were valued.
Background Journey
Matthew’s career was built on a strong foundation of technical expertise, discipline, and leadership developed through his time in defence and industry roles. Over the years, he took on increasing responsibilities across complex environments, gaining skills that extended far beyond entry-level qualifications—yet much of this experience remained under-recognised on paper.
Phase 01
Frustration with Misclassification
Through a DVA rehab program, Matthew was repeatedly assessed at Certificate III and IV level, far below his actual experience.
Phase 02
Decision to Take Control
He rejected the standard pathway and chose to pursue a proper competency-based assessment through Churchill.
Phase 03
Engaging Churchill Education
He submitted his CV and existing qualifications, allowing assessors to map his true capability.
Phase 04
Qualifications Awarded
Matthew achieved four diplomas, including three advanced diplomas, accurately reflecting his senior-level experience.
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
Every journey has obstacles—here's how they were conquered
Who this is suitable for
Challenge 1: Being Undervalued on Paper
Despite managing complex compliance across major projects, Matthew lacked formal recognition at the right level.
Solution: Accurate Skills Assessment
Churchill mapped his real-world experience to high-level qualifications.
Challenge 2: Time, Health and Study Commitments
Balancing law studies, business operations, and service-related injury recovery.
Solution: Flexible RPL Process
Self-paced progression
Minimal disruption
Support when needed, space when required
Career Outcome and Impact
How the qualification transformed their career trajectory
Current Position
Business Compliance Consultant
Business OwnerImmediate Credibility
Formal qualifications now validate his experience without needing explanation.
Career Control
Able to operate independently and contract at the level he’s already been working at.
No More Underselling
Removed the need to justify capability to employers or clients.
The RPL Experience
What Matthew’s journey was really like
Initial Engagement
Submitted CV and background for assessment.
Evidence Collection
Provided existing qualifications and supporting documentation.
Expert Matching
Assessors identified qualification levels and evidence gaps.
Outcome
Four diplomas awarded, aligned to real-world senior experience.
Matthew's Advice to Others
Practical insights for recognising your experience and taking the next step forward.
“Submit your Records of Training and Evaluation before you discharge. Submit it with everything you’ve attained, plus a short resume, just to know where you stand and what you’re eligible for.
It helps quantify your experience in the military and translate it into something that we use from a civilian’s perspective.
When I transitioned out, I basically started on the shop floor. I was working for managers who had less competency and leadership skills than I had. It was a very frustrating ride.
I went through five employers in four years before I found a role that matched my skills. Those first few years were a bit traumatic.”
Looking Back: Reflection and Summary
Matthew Cunial's final thoughts on their journey with Churchill Education
“I no longer have to explain or justify my experience. The qualifications speak for themselves.”
– Matthew
Translate Your Defence Experience Early
Don’t wait until after discharge to understand your value in civilian terms.
Know Your True Level
If you’ve been operating at a higher level, don’t accept entry-level roles.
Avoid Resetting Your Career
Starting again is one of the biggest mistakes defence members make.
Use Qualifications as Leverage
Formal recognition removes the need to justify your experience.
Get Clarity Before You Move
Understand what you’re eligible for before making career decisions.