About Us

About Challenge

Challenge Employment and Training Ltd. is the employment and training arm of the Ipswich YUPI Group – a community based organisation with a 40 year history. Since our establishment as an RTO we have aimed to inspire, educate and deliver, through our mission which is: ”We utilise our skills and resources to assist people to be the best that they can be”.

In view of this, we have delivered different State and Federal employment assistance programs in addition to our RTO delivery and have assisted many disadvantaged job seekers prepare for sustainable employment over the years.

At present we deliver the Transition to Work program, Work for the Dole group projects and a wide variety of Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs. These programs are designed to enhance student learning, achieve positive employment outcomes and ensure every student is work ready on completion of their training.

We achieve this by connecting with industry professionals, offering tailored learning support, liaising with community groups and collaborating with language, literacy and numeracy professionals.

Our Mission

To utilise our skills and resources to assist people to be the best that they can be.

Our Service Areas

Ipswich and nearby communities
Goodna
Inala
Toowoomba
Warwick
Stanthorpe
Moreton Bay region

Our Services

Vocational training assistance to job seekers, secondary students and employers
Transition to Work Services
Employment preparation assistance
Social Enterprises
Community Services

Our Values

1) Respect

2) Accountability

3) Integrity

4) Safety

5) Excellence in Performance

OUR SUPPORTERS

Funding Agencies

We gratefully acknowledge various Commonwealth and State Government agencies with whom we work including

OUR PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT SERVICES

Challenge regularly approaches philanthropic organisations to gain additional support for its innovative projects. We gratefully acknowledge their support. Current supporters include:

The Scanlon Foundation – supporting us in working with people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities in Ipswich
HV Mckay Charitable Trust – Purchase of equipment and resources for the Community Share Food Project in Toowoomba
Gambling Benefit Fund Queensland – Purchase of a bus for our Toowoomba activities
John T Reid Charitable Trust – Purchase of equipment and resources for the Community Share Food Project in Ipswich.

What we do

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Training Options

We offer a range of Skilling Queenslanders for Work, Transition to Work and subsidised training options.

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Students

At Challenge we aim to see each and every student achieve their career goals. Find out more here.

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Job Seekers

Our team work to help jobseekers improve their chances of sustainable employment. Click here to find out more.

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Course Enquiries

Challenge Employment and Training can assist to find the right course for you! Simply click here.

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Student Handbook

Download and read your copy of the Student Handbook here.

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Employers

As an employer ourselves, we know how much you value highly qualified staff. Click here to see how we can help.

The Challenge Executive Team

RICHARD LINDNER

CEO

Working as a learning and development professional for the past 25 years, Richard is an experienced leader in the management and delivery of educational and workforce development projects to both small to large business. Richard has tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Learning and Development, and Business. He is well versed in contemporary Vocational Educational and Social policy and practice. Utilising vocational education as a primary vehicle of engagement, Richard has assisted many companies across Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Richard has also developed and implemented many successful customised indigenous programs with this methodology. These programs have assisted different communities, business, as well as local Governments, to engage with and retain indigenous workers from the New South Wales Northern Rivers region to North Queensland Tablelands.

JOHN O’DEMPSEY

Executive Officer and Acting General Manager

John is a lifelong passionate Civil Society activist. His career has mainly involved work associated with young people, housing and employment, which led him to join the National Skillshare Association Secretariat (later Jobs Australia) where he later became Deputy CEO. Since this time, he has served as a Director of both Jobs Australia and the Jobs Australia Foundation for a number of years, organised the Commonwealth People’s Festival in Brisbane in 2001 on behalf of the UK-based Commonwealth Foundation and served as the national General Manager of the Green Corps Program in the early 2000s. John has also operated his own consultancy service advising organisations in the community sector for 12 years.

TIM NGUYEN

Corporate Services Manager/Chief Financial Officer

After graduating from the University of Queensland with a Commerce Degree in 2002, Tim joined Challenge Employment and Training as a Graduate Accountant. He quickly progressed and was appointed as Financial accountant in 2005. In 2010 he was promoted to Corporate Services Manager / Chief Financial Officer for the organisation. Tim is responsible for overseeing the organisation’s financial activities and operations; from short-term priorities to long term strategic forecasting. He leads the Challenge Corporate Services team for communications, information, technology and finance.

Our Board

KERRY PHILLIPS

Chairperson

Kerry is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA) and graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). She currently is chairperson and independent finance expert on a number of local government Audit and Risk committees. She has operated as a finance professional and executive, experienced across all tiers of government, not-for-profit, aviation, property, hospitality and banking industries, leading large multi disciplinary teams and providing strategic financial and commercial advice to substantial entities. Kerry currently consults in areas of finance, leadership and teaming to local government and health sector. In her role as a State based divisional Councillor and Deputy President of CPA Australia Queensland division, Kerry actively mentors, supports and advocates for members and the Board of CPA Australia. After spending considerable periods providing financial services to communities in Northern and Western Queensland, she proactively represents and speaks on behalf of regional and remote locations endeavouring to secure equitable access to resources. Annually, Kerry provides financial insight in the private education sector in relation to capital acquisition and funding decisions.

JOHN VOGEL

John has extensive business operation experience working with the Australian tax act in all areas of compliance. He also has experience as a treasurer in various well-established organisations. In these positions, he has worked closely with the CFO to develop accounting operational strategies by evaluating trends, establishing critical measurements, designing systems and resolving problems.

From 1989 till now, John has been the Rotary Treasurer. Being the Treasurer, he plays an important role in supporting the organisation to carry out different services and fundraise. He has received the Paul Harris Fellow award for his pro-longed service. Since 2007, John has been a Board member and treasurer of Challenge Employment and Training. John is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has been on the board of schools and churches.

PETER REA

Peter is a long standing member of the Challenge Employment & Training Board with strong business and community links. Peter is the director of Peter Rae Design & Marketing and brings a comprehensive understanding of media and advertising to the Challenge Board.