Nurturing Brilliance: From Seeds of Effort to Blossoming Achievements

Every year seems to fly by faster than the last, which I’m told is what happens when we are adulting! As the year comes to a close, I find myself getting all those last-minute jobs finalised while keeping one eye on the seeds we’ve planted for 2025. It’s been a “full on” year so, pull up a chair, grab a cuppa (or something stronger; you’ve earned it), and let’s take a little wander down memory lane while sneaking a peek at what’s to come.

2024 has been a whirlwind, a joyride and occasionally, a juggling act just to keep things interesting. Let’s talk highlights:

Teacher Skill Sets: Because Educators Deserve Superpowers

This year, we hit the ground running with the rapid introduction of Teacher Skill Sets within the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. It was no small feat, but the feedback from our teachers and schools confirmed we nailed it. Watching educators sharpen their skills to inspire the next generation? Nothing short of magical.

Feedback That Made Our Hearts Burst

The testimonials, ratings and love notes we’ve received from students and partnering schools have been overwhelming. Many of these schools have been with us for over a decade, and their loyalty speaks volumes. Having enrolled nearly 6000 students this year, such positive feedback means that we are balancing our quirky, personal approach with using systems and processes that support growth. (Sharepoint, we know we’ll love you when we get better acquainted!)

Hospitality Brilliance

Our VET in Schools hospitality students have been showing off their culinary prowess with incredible events and dining experiences. The innovative and mouthwatering food prepared and served by high school students is a testament to the teachers and trainers who guide them with such passion. They’ve redefined what’s possible in VET education.

Uplearn and Immersive Learning

2024 also saw the launch of Uplearn and our immersive learning environments for TAE40122, hospitality and business. These environments are game-changers and the buzz they’ve created? Electrifying.

Team Evolution

Our team continues to amaze me. We’ve seen several internal promotions (yay for individual and company growth!) and welcomed a new HR Manager. Plus, we celebrated our 21st birthday with a dinner party that involved pretend gambling and some competitive shenanigans. Some of the things I have always valued in our team is their collective sense of humour, dedication to their industry and commitment to excellence. Admittedly, I’m a bit biased but we really do have the best team I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. 

Digital Literacy Gets a Glow-Up

We implemented a digital literacy test this year to better assess our students' foundation needs. It’s one of the ways we tailor our support and live by our vision of “Nurturing brilliance, one person at a time”.  

Looking Ahead: 2025, Here We Come!

The excitement for 2025 is palpable. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s cooking:

• We’re diving into Sport and Recreation, and Sport Coaching qualifications at three certificate levels, and it’s shaping up to be spectacular.  Our students will be playing with the “Sportstars” immersive learning environment. Schools are already lining up to jump into this arena (pun intended) with us. 
• We will introduce “Greenthumbs” - Uplearn’s immersive learning environment for Volunteering.
• Certificates in Career Development, Self-Awareness and Personal Empowerment are all gaining traction, and we’re thrilled to help students unlock their fullest potential both personally and professionally.

Gratitude Time

None of this happens without an incredible team – our amazing “behind the scenes” team, our inspiring trainers, loyal partners and committed students. To everyone who’s been part of our journey this year: thank you. You’ve made this wild ride so much fun.

So, here’s to 2024—the triumphs, the challenges and the moments that made us laugh until we cried. In 2025, we’ll keep dreaming big, pushing boundaries and having a lot of fun while we do it.

Happy New Year, everyone! See you on the flip side.

Donna Mortlock
Founder and Chief Disorganiser, Blueprint Career Development