From Personal Struggles to Recognised WHS Expertise
How Shep Inglis turned life challenges and career experience into recognised qualifications and renewed confidence through RPL.
Police & Community Transition Specialist“RPL helped me see my value and step into opportunities I once thought were out of reach.”
Highest Qualification Achieved
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
Other Qualification Achieved
Diploma of Community Services
Key Outcomes at a Glance
Shep gained formal qualifications, rebuilt confidence, and positioned himself for higher-level career opportunities in WHS.
Senior Professional (Former Law Enforcement Officer / Support Practitioner)
Job Level
Diploma of Community Services
Diploma
Recognition of Existing Skills and Experience
RPL Completion
Law Enforcement, Education Support & Community Services
Industry
Senior Professional (Former Law Enforcement Officer / Support Practitioner)
Job Level
Diploma of Community Services
Diploma
Recognition of Existing Skills and Experience
RPL Completion
Law Enforcement, Education Support & Community Services
Industry
Background and Starting Point
Shep Inglis has built a career across aviation, emergency services, and safety roles, shaped by resilience, leadership, and life experience.
Previous Role
Aviation Safety Specialist; Fire Service Member; Emergency Response Professional
Industry Sector
Aviation, emergency services, and work health and safety
What He Sought
Seeking formal recognition of experience and a pathway to higher-level WHS roles
The Journey Begins
1
Diverse Career Experience
Shep’s career spans aviation management and emergency services, including frontline response to critical incidents and high-pressure environments.
2
Impact of Life Challenges
Personal trauma, career disruption, and mental health struggles shaped his perspective and strengthened his commitment to safety and helping others.
3
Motivation for Change
After a period of personal difficulty, Shep committed to rebuilding his life and career, seeking recognition for his experience.
Why Churchill Education?
Why Shep Decided on RPL with Churchill
Churchill provided a clear and supportive way to formalise Shep’s experience.
“This process showed me I was ready to step into higher-level roles.”
Key Reasons
Clear pathway to formal qualifications
Support from experienced advisors
Recognition of real-world experience
Flexible process during personal transition
Qualifications aligned with career goals
Benefit of Choosing Churchill
RPL helped Shep translate experience into qualifications and rebuild professional confidence.
Journey with Churchill
Working with his advisor, Shep 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 Review
Churchill assessed Shep’s experience and identified qualification options.
Phase 02
Evidence Collection
Shep gathered examples from his career, including safety roles and operational experience.
Phase 03
Assessor Evaluation
Assessors reviewed real-world evidence to confirm skills and knowledge.
Phase 04
Qualification Outcome
Shep achieved the Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety.
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
Personal challenges and career disruption made progress difficult, but renewed focus and support helped Shep move forward.
Who this is suitable for
Challenge 1: Personal and Mental Health Struggles
Shep faced a period of emotional and mental health challenges that affected his confidence and direction.
Solution: Skills Recognition Through RPL
He committed to positive change, focused on rebuilding his routine, and used RPL as a goal to regain direction.
Challenge 2: Loss of Career Direction
Redundancy and life changes created uncertainty about his next career steps.
Solution: Supportive Pathway to Rebuild Confidence
RPL provided structure and recognition, helping him reposition himself for higher-level opportunities.
Career Outcome and Impact
RPL strengthened Shep’s confidence and positioned him for advanced WHS roles.
Current Position
EVP Case Worker, Uniting WA
Community Services & Support ProfessionalFormal Qualification Achievement
Achieved Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Restored Confidence
Increased confidence to pursue higher-paying roles
New Career Direction
Improved credibility in safety and leadership positions
Meaningful Employment
Greater alignment between experience and qualifications
The RPL Experience
The process allowed Shep to continue job applications while completing RPL.
Flexible and Supportive
The process adapted to Shep’s personal circumstances and pace.
Clear and Guided
Each step was explained, making the process easy to follow.
Recognition of Experience
Real-world knowledge was formally validated by assessors.
Confidence Building
The qualification reinforced Shep’s belief in his professional value.
Shep's Guidance to Others
Guidance for anyone navigating career change after policing or high-stress roles
“Completing RPL with Churchill Education came at a time when I needed direction. The process helped me reflect on my experience and recognise the level I was already working at. The support from the team made it manageable, and achieving the Advanced Diploma gave me confidence to aim higher in my career. It’s not just about the qualification, it’s about what it represents and the opportunities it creates.”
Looking Back: Reflection and Summary
Shep used RPL to rebuild confidence, gain qualifications, and move towards higher-level WHS opportunities.
Career Recognition
Experience formally validated through RPL.
Personal Growth
Rebuilt confidence and direction after challenges.
Stronger Positioning
Prepared for higher-level WHS roles.
Supportive Process
Guidance provided throughout the journey.
Future Focus
Focused on family, growth, and helping others.