Board Cadet Opportunity
A unique opportunity is now open for people who want to learn how to be an effective Board Member while contributing to the board of a successful not-for-profit organisation.
Community College Gippsland (CCG), a local education and training provider, is opening the Cadet Director Observer Program for the third year running. The innovative program enables two new people to join a 12-month director development series, which provides an introduction to key aspects of the organisation’s board through deep-dive sessions, participation in monthly meetings and invitations to join specialist sub-committees.
Board Chair, Marianne Shearer, said that it was important to build the skills of future leaders in Gippsland.
“Here at CCG, we are all about building skills, knowledge and experience to help people and communities thrive – we wanted that to extend all the way to the Board,” Ms Shearer said. “The cadet program provides a rare opportunity for people to participate in a fully-supported way.”
2020-2021 cadet, Lachlan Crampton, said the chance to have a real impact on a small community while enhancing his career was an opportunity too great to miss.
“I was interested in volunteering, and doing something in Gippsland, where I had grown up, appealed to me,” Lachlan said. “In a small community, you can really see the impact you have. When I saw the cadet role, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give back and at the same time, expand my own skillset and resume.
“As a board member, you hold a lot of responsibility,” Lachlan said. “It is not a role you can just walk into – you need experience. The cadetship was the perfect platform to build the skills you need to be an effective member of the board. It has been a tremendous learning curve, but a great one.”
For fellow 2020-2021 cadet, Merryn Paynter, the pull was personal as well as professional. Her father, Graham Paynter, was a Life Member of Community College Gippsland Board, having served on the Board for 10 years.
“My father was passionate about learning pathways and how the right set of skills could change a life,” Merryn said. “He taught me that success in education is not always about a university degree – what we define as achievement is very individual and everyone who reaches their goal should be celebrated.”
As CCG had been such a big part of her father’s life, Merryn was interested in continuing this tradition of contribution. When the Cadet role came up, Merryn saw it as the perfect opportunity to dip her toe in the water.
“I knew that I had knowledge and experience that would be valuable to bring to the Board, but I hadn’t served on a Board before,” she said. “This was an ideal entry point. I was able to bring my skills to the table in a supported way, where I was encouraged to experiment, learn by doing and get some experience under my belt.”
For those who are considering applying for the Cadet experience, Merryn has three words: go for it.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity. Give it a whirl! See what you are made of.”
Expressions of interest for the cadet program are open until Sunday 12 September 2021. People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those who have experience with disability are encouraged to apply. Adults of all ages are welcome. More information, including how to apply, can be found at ccg.asn.au/volunteer/.
For further information, please phone (03) 5622 6000 or email info@ccg.asn.au