From being the best to training the best, Marcus Deakes’ passion for learning knows no bounds.

Since winning the 2001 Vocational Student of the Year Award Marcus Deakes hasn’t stopped gaining the qualifications needed to progress his career with Coles.

Not only the trainer and assessor for Coles Supermarkets in Hobart, Marcus managed the Learning and Development department for the business. Soon after winning his award, Marcus progressed to State HR Advisor for Coles Myer and is now managing a large portfolio of products for the business nationally as Category Manager (Buyer).

Marcus credits his vocational education and training as the stepping stone in a pathway to an amazing career. Not only has he used his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Systems as the basis for six Diplomas he’s just completed a Graduate Diploma of Human Resources!

“I would highly recommend following the VET system for training and development. In my opinion there is nothing more useful and transferable than VET qualifications. To me it’s critical for workplace success.”

Marcus’s lifelong learning is creating a solid foundation to progress his career beyond his expectations.

His advice to those looking to study, “Take the opportunity to demonstrate the learnings in the workplace and utilise the skills/knowledge gained to support your career development.”