Our job, as workplace trainers, is always made easier by the support of the employers and trainees that we work with. We have 25 wonderful trainers who take great pride in the training and support that they offer to their STS students. Our Admin staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure it all runs smoothly.

We have collected comments from students who have enjoyed the time spent with our trainers and valued the experience of the training program.

Here are just some of the comments from our past students. Scroll down the page to read all the comments!

If you would like to send us a comment about how the training has helped you, please send us an email sts.training@bigpond.com.au

I'm doing the A+Certification and "loving it". I believe I have just discovered there is a possibility I might be able to fix my own (old) computer instead of trying to sell it. Of course I'll have to complete all the 12 modules of A+Cert first before I even 'think' about trying to fix it. Good thing is, my old computer (which my son uses) has Windows XP so it's easy enough for me to recognise things in the course content. I'm currently using Windows Vista (which I think is easier by far) and one day I'll be able to say what Computer System I'm using yay. - Christine (PPP Student)

Hi Susan,

It was really good to have the workshop with you. Before that, I have no idea about accounting. You are really a good and patient teacher. (I know we remain silent all the time.) I appreciate, and it is my pleasure to work with you. Although I don't have many chances to do accounting in my workplace, I still learned some basic accounting through the workshop.

Best regards,

Tony
Administration Trainee
Immunisation Services
Families & Community Services Division
Brisbane City Council

Hi.
I just finished my training with Cheryl Thurecht,I want just say that Cheryl done a excellent job by keeping me on track,
I couldn't of done it with out Cheryl's help, she was always positive, supportive and full of encouragement.

Regards.
Margaret Fehlberg.
13.10.08

On behalf of the judging panel I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Specialised Training Services and team, on winning the Best Training Provider Award. The award is an excellent achievement and the learning organisation you have created is indeed a triumph in itself.

How are you going, I have just finished my Cert IV in IT with Gary Bidgood and I would like to pass on my thanks to Gary he was wonderful and STS.Training it has allowed me to go into further study and my style of learning isn't in like a TAFE or uni, It was one on one or on-line.

I have recently completed my Cert III in Education Support with STS and would just like to acknowledge the wonderful support and encouragement that I received from my trainer; Christine Foyle. At times I felt it quite difficult trying to juggle family, home and full time employment with the study but with Christine's depth of knowledge, total commitment to her trainees and her positive and charming disposition, she made me believe in myself and actually enjoy the journey. I definitely feel better equipped and more confident to carry out my role as Teacher Aide Special Needs at Guardian Angels Primary School.
Janette Lingard

I just wanted to confirm my appreciation, and the school's as well, for your contribution to the SEnior Conference on Monday. I liked the way you gave the students 'hands on' experience at interviewing - and the success of the activity was obvious in the way students participated willingly. It was very beneficial and I'm sure quite a few students went home with some better ideas on how to perform in interviews - I know I picked up some extra tips. Thankyou for taking the time to come - I know how busy every day is for you .Overall it was a very successful day, and there has been a lot of positive feedback from students and staff.
Regards
Miriam (on behalf of students and staff of the school)
Beaudesert State High

I found the workshop (MYOB) great. On the whole most of it is relatively easy except for a few concepts but Dorothy was a terrific teacher and helped whenever I was stuck. And I am so happy to have knocked off two competecies....
Cathy

Dear Jenny, I think Claire Clough is the best trainer ever. She encouraged and supported me throughout my training. I could contact her any time I needed to find out anything, no matter how small. At the start of this training I was not motivated. I felt it was just another thing to add to my list of achievements and I will not be learning anything new. After meeting Claire and speaking with her, I realised this experience could be a learning curve for me. She made it really enjoyable and exciting to recall many of the works done in the past and the need to put it down on paper. She encouraged me to get over my greatest fear and learn Technology and Admin procedures.... Claire made all this possible for me by being encouraging, supporting and available when I needed her. Thankyou for sending her to our school.
Joy Captain

I wanted to contact you, to thank you again for the opportunity of completing my Certificate lV in Business Administration in May of 2005. I found the service you offered second to none and my trainer Barbara Robinson the most helpful and encouraging person I could have ever imagined.

Since completing my certificate course last year, when I was working on a part time basis in a job share situation, I have been offered and accepted a full time position as Secretary to the Head of Campus at the college where I work. I am thrilled with my new role and added responsibilities, but know this wouldn't have occurred had I not completed my studies.

Thank you for the opportunities your company has given to me, and especially the brilliant assistance I received from Barbara Robinson. I'm not sure if Barbara is still with you, if so, then please pass on my sincere appreciation and let her know of my updated position. I know she would be as pleased as I am.

We would be happy to recommend STS to another agency or company, their strengths are - Industry focused delivery suited to our needs; access to Trainers and Assessors; Delivery on site providing limited interruption to business and travel arrangements for young trainees; Willingness to learn about HTA and adapt training to suit; Provide sound motivation to Trainees in relation to assignments and other assessment deadlines; Provide feedback to Supervisory staff on Trainee progress; and Administration process are thorough and timely.
Quentin Underhill - Operations Manager - Hospitality Training Association Inc

Specialised Training Services is a flexible customer focused organisation who understands the employment and training environment well, and will go the extra mile to meet my organisation's needs.
Karen Simpson - Business Development Manager A.T.C.

I have not found any other RTO that compares with STS and I have tried many. They are flexible, professional, caring and meet all deadlines, commitments and requests. They adapt their training to the differing audiences (equity groups) and give extra help where needed. I will use them whenever possible as they are such a quality all round organisation. I wish there were more RTO's like STS. They do their jobs very well and make training trainees a worthwhile thing to do.
Joanne Hazzard - Senior Program Officer - Brisbane City Council

I would like to share with you my appreciation of the work that Barbara has done with me. I enrolled in the Cert IV in Business Administration in Dec 2004 and have completed this course today 24/5/5. Barb has helped me with this course by coming out every fortnight and assisting me in areas that I was unsure of and providing advice on easier ways to do things. I enjoyed the course so much that my offsider is now doing he course with Barb. Thanks Barb for all of your help.
Marie Lally - Nundah State School

Dear Jenny and Barbara
I'd just like to drop you a line to say Thank you to Barbara for all her help with my traineeship. Thanks to her I have finished my traineeship early and am going onto fulltime employment with confidence in my skills as a result of attaining a Certificate III in Business Admin.

STS has a very good reputation within our industry and most particularly, within our member high schools. Our dealings with STS have always been very professional and efficient. Our trainees have enjoyed their training and have reported very favourably about their individual STS trainers.
Andrea Meredith - Manager - SCISCO Career Pathways

I would just like to thank Frank Marshall for helping me complete my traineeship in Cert IV in Information Technology. Because without you I believe I wouldn't of been able to complete my modules on time. I would also like to thankyou for your guidance throughout my traineeship because if you hadn't of given me a boost towards my goal I believe I would have failed. I couldn't have done it without you!!

Thank you for all your lovely comments concerning my Certificate 111 in Education Support portfolio. It has been a long time between studying and doing modules such as this but you have made me feel I can now try anything! I can't wait to show off my certificate and share my success with all my other staff members!

Get Wired Electrical are a regional finalist for the 2004 Queensland Training Awards in the small Employer of the Year Category. Greg Lewis, Managing Director, says that the company's training regime allowed staff to develop skills, increase morale, provide advancement opportunities within the company and increase independence and initiative to deal with problems.

Well done to Get Wired for appreciating the value in training their team members!

Well it has been the best day of my life for quite some time. Today I was signed off as completing my Cert lV in Business Administration. I would sincerely like to thank you Jenny and your company STS for providing me with an opportunity too good to miss out on.

My employer offered our staff the opportunity to complete this Certificate. A number of us accepted the offer to study the course by correspondence (with another training company). We all received our study books and assessement criterias, but shortly after I began, I felt so confused and helpless. I felt I had no support from the company providing the training, so I decided it was not for me. I wanted to pull out. Allan Pressick came out to visit my workplace, and gave me a couple of options so I could continue the training. He proposed I change to your organisation Specialised Training Services, and told me a trainer would visit me every fortnight until my Certificate was completed. I could not believe how lucky I was to be given this fabulous offer. I signed paperwork to change Trainers, and I haven't looked back since.

Barbara Robinson was the best Trainer I could ask for. She was supportive, encouraging, and shared so much knowledge, I truly looked forward to every session. I am sure that without her visits, I most definitely would not have completed my course in under 12 months. A huge "Thank You" Barbara.

I found the course was well written in easy to understand terms, which made completion of the modules extremely achievable. I am going to miss not having my visits, but am looking forward to using the new skills and extra confidence I have gained since beginning this course.

I'm just writing to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed having Phil as our trainer. he was extremely helpful and we learnt heaps. We were impressed with all his knowledge on the modules and he also made learning fun. Can you please pass on our thanks to him for us.
Thanks Anneli & Sheena

I am writing to thank you for all your help. without your help and patience I would not have my certificate now. you are a very caring person and as a trainer you are the best. You have opened up a new pathway for me, one I could only dream about and now its up to me. I can come out of my pond with a little ripple or a great big splash.
Love always, your friend
Dorothy

I didn't want to do this course as it was all so daunting and everyone else seemed to breeze through except me. But Michelle my trainer was excellent I couldn't have done this course without Michelle. I highly recommend this training program to everyone.

To Dear Michelle

" What can you say to someone, who has taken you from crayons to perfume?" Many thanks Michelle for all your input, advice, guidance, friendship, the many laughs we have shared over the past year. you are a very professional trainer and I certainly admire you.

Dear Phil,

I can't thank you enough for training me the past 9 months, when George resigned I thought I would get some trainer who would be a task master, but I was wrong. Your way of doing modules is so great, I found it easy for some and others a bit difficult but you were always there to give me a hand. When I first started the traineeship 2 years at first I thought I was a bit boring but as time has pasted I've really enjoyed it. It seemed long at first and now its finally over. I will always remember the little tricks of the trade you have given me
such as using lots of white space in reports, you have been a excellent trainer and a good friend.

Thanks to you I am able to continue working here until I am ready to move on, who knows maybe my next challenge will be uni. Thankyou for allowing me to continue fulfilling one mans dreams of making a difference.

Forever grateful,
Matthew Sullivan

Thanks sincerely for the assistance you guys gave me with my cert IV IT traineeship I have since gone on to secure better employment prospects from this course I have also selected to go through STS for my next course of study in the near future special thanks goes to Phil Wright for being understanding and giving me a boot when I was being slack and not doing the course. Thanks guys look forward to dealing with you again in the future.

Regards, Martin Mills Job search Trainer Mission Employment Services Stones Corner

Just a big thank you to the staff at STS (especially my unreal trainer, Milada) for designing a traineeship that is easy to follow and able to be completed in the workplace without too many hassles. The sailing day was a blast (thanks Tina) and I can't wait for any other special programs that you have planned....Cheers Glen.

May I take this opportunity to Thank you for the assistance in furthering my skills and abilities in order to follow my dreams and reach my career goals. A special Thank you to my trainer Loryn Hilliard who has been brilliant. Loryn is a wonderful person who has the patience, extensive knowledge, bright bubbly personality and positive attitude that makes a great trainer. Loryn gives me the confidence I need to achieve my goals. My training sessions are not only based on a set training plan, if there is a task I have been struggling with Loryn works with me to achieve the necessary skills I need to complete the tasks. I find this approach is more beneficial in the workplace as I am not only learning general office skills but ones that relate to my position.... Kindest regards, Suzie

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Suzanne Fitzgerald for helping me get through my course. It has been a great experience and one that has helped lay the path to my future. With her guidance and assistance I have managed to complete my course 3 months early and have now been offered a promotion. I couldn't have done it without you! Thanks heaps Sue!!! .....Chantal Hayes

Seniors on the Net ... Gold Coast - What a terrific meeting we had yesterday, over 70 members attended, presenter Jenny was fantastic, we ran out of time to finish her word hints and shortcuts (some I had never seen before) ... Jenny has agreed to continue at the next meeting which will be the 22nd of February, so don't miss it. Stay happy......Hazel Barrett.

Thank you for the wonderful service that I have received from your company whilst completing my Certificate III in Business. During my traineeship, I found the service provided by my trainer, Loryn and that of Specialised Training Services to be second to none. I found that the personalised service of one on one training and the support that was offered to me, was a great benefit. Jenny I would like to thank you and Loryn for making my traineeship enjoyable and it would be my pleasure to recommend Specialised Training Services to anyone seeking a traineeship in my field of work. ....... Amanda Parry ...Schmick Cards.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michelle for everything that she has done for me over the past 10 months. She, like so many other trainers, has made the impossible, possible. She is forever going above and beyond her call of duty and she always makes me feel as if I really am worth something. It’s thanks to her that I have realised I have more potential than I ever though possible. I have learnt to do and handle things that I only ever dreamed of. When I told Michelle what my dream was for after I finished this traineeship, she was all for it and helped me to get through so much of my training that if I wanted to, I could have been following my dream this year, not next year. And then when I decided to delay it by a year, she decided to slow things down so that I could keep my job here at the school for as long as possible. She is a wonderful lady, who always keeps the best interests of all of her trainees at heart. Many of her other trainees would probably agree with me here.

Thanks for everything, Michelle, I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for me in the past 10 months.

To Jenny Field, Manager Specialised Training Services.
As I complete my traineeship, I feel that I must thank all of the myriad of people who have assisted me. If the support did not exist at all the levels of my working life, I do not believe that I would have accomplished what I have in so short a time. What I have done in the last 10 months is to recreate a positive self-image, massively increase my knowledge of computers in an organisation and (hopefully!) increase the number of people that I can call my friends. These acts were aided by the kind and generous support of my trainers, Noelene Hulse and George Cook. They were there to help me when the degree of knowledge that I had to attain was too great for myself. Their patience is commendable. ...Peter Mardiste ... IT Support Officer ...Pullenvale State School.

In my life, I have met some people that have shaped my life into, what I could say, what I am today. But until I met Phil 'Philby' Wright, never had I thought that things I thought were impossible, were so easy to achieve. I am currently doing a Cert II in Information Technology and would like to say thankyou Philby for giving me the knowledge and right frame of mind to achieve the things I see as impossible. THANKS!!!!! ..... Michael

George.... Thanks for all your help. I was successful in a job application to head an IT Internet Department. I am very happy and I start in 2 weeks time which is when I also leave my present job. Thanks for all your help and I hope you can add this letter to your success story folder..... Marcus Greig

As usual Jenny, Specialised Training Services are up there at the top of the list in efficiency and expertise! The schools I have spoken to have expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the service you provide.... Judy

I would just like to say a bit thank you to Elaine, for all your help and assistance throughout the duration of my traineeship. I couldn't think of a trainer who could do a better job or be a better person than you - you are fabulous...... you gave me such encouragement which made it all the more easier to want to do more. After our lesson I would always feel refreshed and come away with an added zest to do the next module and I don't think I would have had as much motivation to do it as quickly as I did without your help.......I am so glad I got this job that i had the opportunity to learn all I could from you - the traineeship has made me a different person, I now know that I can do so many things on the computer and am doings so much that I never imagined I would be doing.... Chow Deanna

Just a quick thank you to Noelene for being a great help throughout my traineeship with Brisbane City Council. She was always helpful and gave me great confidence in my work. I would also like to thank Tina for the opportunity in taking part in her MYOB course. Thanks STS.............Kylie

I'd just like to say that I believe Hazel Condon is truly a wonderful trainer and she has helped me to almost complete my whole traineeship in just 4 months. She explains everything very well, and she always helps me whenever I need it. She's fantastic, I just thought she deserved a big thankyou on behalf of all of her trainees................ Sally Davey

Just a short note to say thankyou for the hard work that Michelle has been through to help me finish my traineeship a lot earlier. She is a wonderful lady and an exceptional teacher. She knows a lot. Thankyou for your time.......Melissa Harrison

This is a letter of appreciation for the devotion and application that Suzanne Fitzgerald has extended to me throughout my training program. ....It is rare to come across anyone that is prepared to put themselves out to such extraordinary lengths, far extending her boundaries of duty and on so many occasions inconvenience to oblige the wishes of others. ....Her self control is amazing as she never once took the mouse out of my hands - well done! Thank you Suzanne. I will always be indebted to you and I thank you for your tireless patience and the extra help you so graciously extended to me never asking for anything in return......
Kindest personal regards........ Pam Hill

Gary, thank you very much for your patience and professionalism, you made the impossible seem probable ... thank you again

Hi Tina, Thanks for the great MYOB class. I learnt heaps and hope to be able to further my career now I have the understanding of MYOB.

Which sincere appreciation for your Kindness....Dearest Loryn, I would just like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kindness and support you have given me throughout my training. I greatly appreciate it........ Kasey

To: Jodie Brown - I am at work working on my certificate 3. I've just completed the boxes with text in them. it looks great, it's exciting when you learn how to do new things. I'm all fired up and I am enjoying doing the course. It was nice to meet you and I look forward to our times together. Thank you for your support.

Excellent Experience!!!!!! - My Course was very well structured. Expectations & assessment of modules clearly presented. Michelle facilitated my learning in a professional and personal manner. She provided a variety of visual and physical material aids that enhanced my studies. Overall an excellent experience. Michelle was fantastic.... Thankyou.

To my trainer - Milada Theron ....."I just want to say cheers for years for all the sincere help you've given me with my training. It is appreciated more than I say, and probably more than I know at the moment. You've encouraged me and my work and (most importantly) have made it enjoyable all the way. I can't wait till our next training session, bring it on...."

To: - Milada Theron ......"I was thinking that I would like to let you know that you are greatly appreciated and the traineeship is not only helping me develop new skills but you are making it fun for me to learn so THANK YOU!! ... see you soon Erin"

To: - Tina Cleveland ........."Thank you for guiding me to that place called :-motivation, future, choices ... Your unfailing support has been of great inspiration to me - your faith in my ability honouring ..... Thank you for showing me I have opportunities - you are appreciated!"

To: - Suzanne Fitzgerald ......"I am enjoying the challenges that the assignments offer and also benefiting from Suzanne's instruction and experience."

To: - Gary Bidgood and Elaine Robinson ...... "I have finally finished my certificate 4!!!!!!! It took a while but I did it thanks to YOU (Gary) and Elaine which I am very grateful for, I was lucky enough to have the worlds 2 loveliest trainers!!!!........WOO HOO!!!!!"

To: - Susan Evans ....."I am coming to the end of my traineeship and thought I would like you to know how much I enjoyed the experience and the sense of confidence it has given me. ..... As a result of the training I feel more confident in being able to do my job and therefore I feel more valuable to the workplace ....."

The Information Technology Certificate IV , delivered by Jenny Field from Specialised Training Services, was comprehensive, complete and effective..... An element of the weekly visits I most enjoyed was having the change to discuss various issues and experiences encountered during the course of the week's work. These sessions proved to be invaluable and more often than not solutions to these situations were developed and put into practices..... Specialised Training Services provided excellent "on site" support during the period of my traineeship. Help, guidance and support was at worst only a phone call away. Personal contact with a trainer is important in helping to maintain a persons focus on the tasks currently being undertaken.

Both our trainees have expressed their appreciation of Suzanne Fitzgerald their trainer from STS, and constantly mention that you are not only professional in your approach, but very thorough and supportive: They are enjoying their traineeships immensely and look forward to attaining each new goal. Allow me to congratulate Suzanne Fitzgerald and Specialised Training Services on your diligent and thorough work ethic...... Terrence Coates Manager The Miami Club

Dear Jenny, I would like to thank you and your staff for the excellent service we have had over the last twelve months.....The training has led to a noticeable improvement in all aspects of the trainees' work. It was only possible to carry out the training as the trainers came into the workplace. ..... the results are most pleasing .... Toni Vincent State Training Coordinator Society of St Vincent De Paul.

I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to Gary Bidgood for his contribution to training our new staff members. I have always found Gary to be efficient and extremely organised and I have been most impressed by Gary's very approachable and pleasant manner when dealing with various staff members......Cath Hamilton REMAX The Real Estate Leaders

"Thankyou for all the support and help you all have provided to me over the past 10 months - take care"

"Thankyou . All going well I should just be waiting on marking and be there to completing Cert IV. Thankyou for providing a great Training Advisory Service. Always very helpful people who ever I talk to. Great team. Regards Corrina Abood ~ Certificate IV in Education Support"

If you would like to send us a comment about how the training has helped you, please send us an email sts.training@bigpond.com.au