• Your name:       Corrie-Lee Orpin

• Age Group:       26-35

• Your title/trade within the IT industry:      Business Development Manager/ Technician

• What is involved in training for your role?

Attending - Sunshine Coast Institute of Tafe for a period of two and half years.

 Certificate 2/3 in Information Technology

Certificate 4 in Information Technology/ Networking

 Diploma in Networking

Diploma in System Administration

Certified Apple Sales/Product Professional

Certified Canon Expert 

• How/why did you get into your chosen trade?

My journey began when I was loaned a computer 4years ago by brother-in-law as he had secured a job in Japan teaching English. I remember starting the computer up and connecting to the internet and that was it I was hooked line and sinker. I then went from exploring the World Wide Web to then wanting to know how it all worked from what makes a computer work to how network topology is designed. What I love the most about the IT industry is it is such a evolving industry, nothing stays the same there is always something new to learn everyday and it’s a world I can escape to – I could be getting my hands dirty repairing PC or Mac or nutting out the topology of a network or interacting with customers passing on my knowledge giving them a complete computer system that they require to get the job done.

• What obstacles have you overcome on your path into and through the IT industry?

I remember my first week at Tafe, I suppose I was considered an adult student as most of the 30 other classmates were under the age of 18 and there was only two other female students. I had only had little experience compared to the other students who had been basically brought up with computers. It was a huge learning curve but I soon realised that dedication, perseverance and initiative was the key to my success. I soon found my feet in Cert 4 and found my niche ,which was that I could  talk and get along with all types of people and I had great management skills and that even though I was not a expert Programmer or hardware technician I still had a place in the IT industry. I probably will never be a very Technical person but I have the passion and love for what I do and if you put all your heart and soul into what you do, you can’t not excel and do well.

• Lessons Learned?

Never shy away from a challenge

Every time you steep out of your comfort zone you grow and learn more

If you give it your best shot at least you tried and then you can’t look back and think “If only I had, maybe this could have happened”

Believe in yourself

• Why do you think it is important to help establish a name and better recognised opportunities for females in building?

We believe that recognisition for women in any industry are paramount. When taken into account the ratio of women compared to men onsite or within the workplace it is important to recognise their ability to perform these jobs and the level of performance they contribute.

• What are your goals for the future?

To achieve the following certification

Certificate 3 /4 in Business and Marketing

Certified Technician in Mac hardware and software

To reach the level of Project Manager

• How do you effectively deal with your workplace culture?

Everyone is different in their strengths and weakness it does not matter whether the individual is male or female; everyone has a role within the business.

• Has there been a role model you have looked to for inspiration?

Yes my Tafe teachers- Albert Lebbink, John Walker, Paul Schnakenburg, LLew Milne-Brownlie The teachers at Sunshine Coast Tafe Institute guided, supported and inspired me to believe in myself and gave me the confidence that I could achieve anything if I set my mind to a goal and to challenge myself and most importantly NEVER give up.

• Corrie's inspirational message: