It was Jim Ploumis’ transition into senior leadership that prompted his desire to gain formal training at the City of Kingston. As a Building Surveyor, he felt that formal leadership skills would propel his career even further in local government.

“I am a huge advocate for further study and ongoing self-development,” he said.

“The process of applying for a senior leadership position within my department further solidified the importance of ongoing training and education across all facets of work and professional roles.”

Choosing practical and aligned study

Jim undertook training in leadership and mentoring through the Earn and Learn program. This was already a skillset he was practising in his role – so the decision to formalise the learning was a no-brainer.

“I pride myself on being a supportive colleague and mentor to others in the workplace.

“I knew this could be developed further through tailored leadership training, to ensure that I continue to provide excellent management to staff that aligns with my leadership goals.

“Having previously studied at RMIT, I was also attracted to the opportunity to return to a respected and familiar learning environment.”

Jim’s decision was well-supported by his council and his manager.

“They supported me by providing the opportunity to participate in the program and by recognising the importance of leadership development, both within the organisation and as part of my own professional growth.”

“I was also encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the program to real workplace situations, particularly as I transitioned into my new management role.

“Having the opportunity to put the learning into practice made the training especially meaningful and relevant. It strengthened my confidence as a leader and enhanced my ability to mentor, guide and support the people around me.”

Balancing work and study

Starting a new management role while undertaking training was no simple feat, but Jim said that clear expectations from the outset helped him self-manage the study load.

“The clearly articulated structure and expectations of the course were provided to us right from the commencement,” he said.

“All assignments and their deadlines were provided to students upfront, which meant that I could easily pace myself through the coursework and ensure that I was able to meet due dates without delay.

“This level of organisation made the experience of studying and working significantly easier and overall, a very positive experience.”

He also found that the flexible learning delivery made it easier to logistically fit into his schedule.

“Having the flexibility to engage with learning online allowed me to benefit from the learning opportunity without the expectation of committing to face-to-face classes that could not have been worked into my current schedule,” he said.

Jim found that the online learning experience was inclusive, immersive and even helped him form new connections.

“Although I was not there in person, I never felt less involved or disconnected. We were offered break-out sessions where we could work collaboratively and network with others within the course.

“I found this to be invaluable as I was able to discuss and learn about the other unique experiences of those who work in council.”

Building lifelong leadership experience

Jim’s biggest highlight from the training was getting to practise his mentoring skills. He challenged himself to choose a mentee from another division of his council. Not being able to rely on his sector knowledge and existing relationships taught him to apply what he’d learned in the course in real time.

“The process reinforced that effective mentoring is not simply about providing advice or having all the answers,” he said.

“It is about listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, sharing relevant knowledge and experiences, and helping another person develop confidence in their own abilities.”

Jim said that honing this skill led to a rewarding and memorable experience.

“One of my biggest achievements was establishing trust and creating a supportive environment in which the mentee felt comfortable discussing their goals, experiences and development.

“This broadened my understanding of council, strengthened my ability to work across different areas of the organisation, and confirmed that mentoring is an important part of the leader I want to be.”

Jim’s experience with Earn and Learn has created a strong foundation for his journey as a leader.

“It has increased my confidence, enhanced my professional credibility and better equipped me to make a positive contribution to my team and the wider organisation,” he said.

Looking ahead, Jim hopes to continue the trajectory of making a difference by strengthening the council’s employee outcomes.

“My aspiration is to continue contributing positively to council by leading with integrity, sharing knowledge and helping others grow in their roles.

“I want to keep building a workplace culture where people feel supported, educated and motivated to perform well, continue to develop professionally and deliver outstanding outcomes for the community.”

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