Mother of five and Grandmother of four, 48 year old Mandy Cossins changed her career and has never enjoyed life more. After working for the Roads & Traffic Authority in NSW for many years, Mandy and her husband Peter decided to both take redundancy packages and start a new life. Driving past Ignite Education one day, Mandy and Peter said to each other, “Why don’t we do something different? Why don’t we try hospitality?”

Wanting to do something together, Mandy and Peter immediately enrolled in a Certificate IV in Hospitality. “We wanted to do it at the same time and be able to study and learn a whole new career. We did just that and it was wonderful. We had a great time and met some really nice friends and enjoyed the whole experience. The teachers were exceptional and we both really loved going each day. We learnt new things about a new industry in such a warm and friendly environment.”

“Once I completed the course, the College team assisted me with job opportunities and I started working at Currumbin RSL Club as a waitress. I later moved to the front reception for about six months. Because the Club frequently reviews and improves its position, management approached me to consider taking on a new role of customer relations. I think my love of customer service and making sure the customer’s experience is more than they expect really shone through. “

“Now I’m everywhere and just love it. It’s a job where you can move throughout the Club and monitor and watch customers and be there just as they need you! I’m passionate about making customers’ experiences the very best they can be and I find it so rewarding to be there to help and get to know some wonderful people. Thanks to Ignite Education my skills have been recognised and acknowledged and I’m now in a role that I just can’t wait to start each day.”