Can students study while on a boat? Duke says, “Absolutely.”

An already-experienced 25-year-old from New South Wales working in supply chain operations, Max C. was keen to level up his skills.

“I’m working in tugboat operations. I love the work and wanted to get a deeper understanding of the industry. It’s definitely where I want to go.”

Here’s a bloke with a clear ambition!

Max was shown a few different course options by his employment provider, but didn’t take long to settle on Duke: we were the only RTO offering the full TLI30321 Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations.

Getting His Skills from A to B

Max has loved studying with Duke, taking his logistics knowledge to its final destination. 

“I really love the simplicity of it. Just being able to do it on my phone is so handy for me.”

His learning environment? Unconventional, to say the least. He’s swapped a dusty lecture theatre for the open seas.

“When I’m out on the tugboat and I’ve got a 10-minute break, I just whip out the phone and get through one of the modules.”

Hey, it’s not where you learn. It’s what you learn. 

A New-Found Love for Study

The thing is, Max (like many blokes his age) hasn’t always been in love with study.

“Study in general has been a tough thing for me. But the course delivery at Duke has been so simple and quick. I’ve really been enjoying it for once.”

Max has already applied some of his new skills in his tugboat operations role. 

“Switching lights off, conserving resources, recycling where possible – all that stuff I’ve learned in my course. Now, at work, I find myself paying way more attention to it. I’m more aware of when, for example, hoses and taps are left on.”

Max Isn’t Letting His Goals Go Adrift

Max is currently working in tug operations in Sydney but wants to be able to do it Australia-wide. With a certificate under his belt, the world is his oyster.

“I’m interested in roles in Cairns, Adelaide, Perth… and for a lot of those roles I need a Cert III in Supply Chain Operations. I’m hoping to work interstate in the next year or so.”

So, what advice does Mr Max Power give other supply chain workers in his shoes?

“Just jump straight in and go for it. It’s a different way of learning. You can make it work with a busy schedule – it works around your life, not the other way around.”