Future Skills Organisation Case Study: Hire and higher: How VET put Megan on a path to prime time
Choosing a vocational education and training (VET) pathway landed Megan Cox a future-focused and fast-tracked career, straight out of high school.
“I left school in 2019 and just three years later I was hiring people my age, which was a bit wild,” said Megan.
“They had just graduated from university whereas I had three years experience and two qualifications, paid for by my employer.”
Megan’s interest in a VET pathway was sparked at an event about female leaders of the future.
“I noticed that everyone I talked to at the event had some aspect of technology skills,” said Megan.
“So, I decided the best way for me to start my career would be to do a technology course because the skills I’d learn could be transferred to any career I decided to go into.”
Earn and learn
Megan secured an IT apprenticeship at PwC, a global professional services firm, where she could earn and learn. She completed her Certificate IV, Information Technology in year one and a Diploma, Information Technology in year two.
Megan won the 2021 Trainee of the Year award at both the Australian Training Awards and NSW Training Awards – a testament to her dedication and hard work. She has since signed up to become a VET ambassador through the Australian VET Alumni.
“Throughout my three years at PwC I am so grateful I pushed myself to try different opportunities,” said Megan.
“I started working in cyber security but ultimately found my passion in people-focused roles.”
Transferable skills
“Thanks to my transferable skills I moved into recruitment, where I was hiring new trainees and apprentices for PwC.”
She then moved into a HR Coordinator role at Foxtel Group, connecting millions of Australians to the movies, shows, sports, documentaries and news they love.
“Essential skills for a HR role are around comms and stakeholder management. There is also a lot of data and analytics work, problem-solving and reporting work,” said Megan.
“This is where my tech skills are so valuable as technologies like AI can help HR professionals do these things so much more efficiently, leaving more time to support the employees in the business.”
Seizing opportunities
Earlier in her career, Megan also had the incredible opportunity to work in the Accreditation team at the 2024 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, where she helped process over 18,000 accreditations and learnt about venue risk, access management, and motorsport operations.
Megan was also honoured to be one of 20 women selected for the FIA Girls on Track career development and mentoring program.
Kickstarting a career
For those about to leave high school and wondering about the best choices to make, what is Megan’s advice?
“Be open-minded and explore all the opportunities vocational education and training offers,” she said. “It was the best pathway for me, enabling me to kickstart my career straight out of high school.
“Also remember that lifelong learning is vital to success,” added Megan, who has already started her next VET course – a Diploma of Business at TAFE NSW.
Learn more about studying HR at Your Career here.