About Me
I take a strategic, solutions-focused approach to workforce development. I help organisations attract, develop and retain the right people by designing practical workforce pathways, strengthening capability, and securing funding to support projects that make a real impact.
With deep expertise in learning, career development and adult education, I bring a unique blend of strategy and hands-on experience that helps employers build skilled, confident and future-ready teams.
My learning, career and adult education experience and qualifications include:
- 25+ years working with 100’s of individuals, training organisations, government, businesses, community and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and internationally
- Doctor of Philosophy (Education)
- Graduate Diploma Business
- Bachelor of Education
- Certificate in Career Counselling
- Professional member of the Career Development Association of Australia since 2013
- Created SkillSmart in December 2007 to create non-accredited training courses for trades people and engineers
- Passionate about work, rural communities, agriculture, railways and learning…
Vision
To connect people, skills and opportunity so individuals thrive, businesses grow, and South Australian regions prosper.
Mission
My mission is to strengthen South Australia’s workforce by creating clear, supported pathways that connect skilled people with the organisations and regions that need them. I design practical workforce solutions that build capability, grow confidence, and ensure individuals and businesses can thrive—regardless of where they are located.
Values
Our values and business approach include:
Integrity and Follow-Through
We do what we promise. Always.
Regional Commitment
We champion the needs, talent and futures of regional South Australians.
People-Centred Support
Every individual deserves clear pathways, preparation and opportunity.
Practical Impact
We focus on real solutions that strengthen businesses and communities.
Respect for Resources
We deliver value by using your time, funding and effort wisely.
Enlightening moments in my life…
After working for more than 10 years in a well known educational organisation, I asked myself one day ‘what is the meaning of this job’, and can I do it for another twenty years?
At this point, I decided my life had to change and I developed the courage to believe in my purpose of creating work that met my needs, aligned with my values and fuelled my passions – on my own terms.
My journey to being who I am today can help your organisation too!
Your staff are wondering how the intersection of their passions, talents and the need to earn a living can be sustained for the long term. Without any fire or passion that lights their very being, your staff need support and development so they can grow as people and employees.
How we work...
We partner closely with your organisation — online or face-to-face — to ensure you have the right people, the right capability, and the right support to grow your workforce with confidence.
We work globally to source and prepare talent, bringing international perspectives and fresh skills directly into South Australia’s regions. Our approach is shaped by lived regional experience: we understand the challenges regional employers face in accessing specialised support, because we live and work in those same communities.
Our role is to bridge the gap. We provide practical, responsive, relationship-based support that helps employers attract, develop and retain motivated people who are ready to contribute from day one.
FREE Workshop
How to Attract and Retain Skilled People in Regional South Australia
Covers:
attracting engineers & tradespeople
supporting skilled migrants
onboarding that works
building talent pathways
avoiding recruitment mistakes
A little more about our world perspective…
After completing her PhD within the Australian rail industry, Janene participated in the SIAFI program in Paris in 2014. This international experience opened doors to new networks with academics, engineers and industry professionals across Europe and beyond.
These global connections strengthened her understanding of how skilled people move across countries, how talent integrates into new labour markets, and the unique challenges migrants face when establishing their careers. This perspective continues to shape her commitment to supporting skilled migrants — particularly engineers — to build successful futures in South Australia.
The rail industry is a traditional industry that is transitioning to the 21st century facilitated by technology. Familiar practices are being revisited to encourage and support all people to participate equally in non-traditional roles in the workforce.
In particular, the rail industry has identified that many people reach the end of their career and find that they have not achieved their career potential. For organisations this is more of problem when talented people, especially diverse groups – women and youth, face barriers that impede ability to go further in the career.
So our passion is to inspire organisations and individuals to recognise and develop the talent of all!
Let’s Work Together
How we have evolved…
From our beginning we have evolved to focus on core areas and serve core clients.
Transformative learning projects for organisations
Delivery of transformative learning projects for women
Development of microcredentials for organisations
Janene’s four key superpowers…
People skills
knows and gets along well with lots of people
Creativity
transforms your needs into reality
A Woman of Achievement
gets things done!
Attitude
positive can do attitude – nothing is too difficult
