1. FEATURES
MEMBER
ProfileCraig O’Neill
1. What is your current role?
At the time of writing this I have just accepted (but
not yet commenced) a new role as Capability Manager
with Coca Cola Amatil in Brisbane. My main focus
will be on positively influencing the overall capability
of Supply Chain Queensland through a skills and
competencies development process.
2. What were you doing before this?
Working as People & Organisational Development
Consultant and RTO Project Leader for Village
Roadshow Theme Parks (Warner Bros. Movie World,
Sea World, Wet’n’Wild Water World, Paradise Country
Farm, Australian Outback Spectacular, Sea World Resort and Warner Roadshow Studios) on the Gold
Coast.
This role has been extremely diverse and involved being responsible for the training and development
of over 2,500 team members across the seven Gold Coast properties. This included everything from
managing the timely and effective delivery of compliance training to orientation, service training and
leadership development.
I have also been overseeing the operations of our enterprise registered training organisation (RTO) -
the Village Roadshow Academy of Training. My biggest challenge in this role has been reconnecting
the RTO to the broader enterprise in order to meet the needs of the rapidly changing organisation.
3. How did you come to be an L&D practitioner?
I entered the world of learning and development in 2003 when I was working for State Warehousing
and Distribution Services (which has since been acquired by Australia Post and is now known as Post
Logistics).
After participating in an OHS course and making a presentation, I was asked by the General
Manager if I would be interested in joining the Human Resources team as a Trainer/Facilitator, with
responsibility for training, OHS and Policies and Procedures.
4. What do you find challenging about the industry?
The biggest challenge I have probably faced as an L&D Practitioner has been gaining respect and
credibility. This is because appearances can be deceiving – I don’t look 28 and as a result often have to
work harder to build meaningful workplace relationships in order to gain that respect and credibility.
While I’d be the first to admit I have a lot to learn, I also believe I have a lot to offer others. It’s
the diversity of generations within our industry that I think allows continual innovation and new
techniques. As professionals I think part of our role is to challenge people’s current thinking and get
them thinking and trying new ways of doing things.
5. What is the most rewarding experience you have had working in
L&D?
The opportunity to investigate, recommend and successfully implement a new online learning
system for Village Roadshow Theme Parks was a real highlight, but the experience I have found most
rewarding has been the opportunity to help shape and build the careers of other people.
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For example, I found it incredibly satisfying to stand up at the
Graduation Ceremony for Village Roadshow Theme Parks and
present our trainees with their certificates. I got to speak with their
families about the journey I had witnessed their young people
travel . Many of them entered the workplace as shy, reserved and
unskilled teenagers and then over the course of the traineeship grew
and developed into mature young adults, ready and equipped to
enter the workforce and take on the world. I think I will always be
proud to have played a part in that process.
6. What changes have you seen occur in the
field of L&D over the time you have been
involved in it?
There has been a definite shift towards more engaging and
meaningful online learning. E-learning will play an ever increasing
role in our industry well into the future and I think this is
exciting as it offers greater flexibility and accessibility to training
and development for everyone. It is imperative, however, that a
balanced approach be taken to the use of e-leaning as a solution
and the style and method of online learning clearly shows beneficial
outcomes to the business.
I also believe that many high-performing organisations are realising
that in order to adapt and respond to rapid change and stay
ahead of the competition, learning and development is a critical
ingredient rather than a ‘nice to have’.
7. What are the most important skills and
qualities an L&D professional should have?
An L&D practitioner needs to be adaptable, energetic, innovative
and willing to try new things (be adventurous). They need to
be good at facilitating and communicating but also have well-
developed listening skills.
The modern L& D practitioner must also be able to respond quickly
to business imperatives in order to achieve results and remain
relevant.
8. What things help you to grow and develop
as a professional?
I continually try and challenge myself – by trying new techniques
and learning new approaches. I also enjoy meeting new people from
within our industry and sharing knowledge.
During my years at the University of Technology, Sydney (where
I completed a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education), I
connected with some of the lecturers and fellow students who still
give me great advice and support today.
My involvement with the AITD QLD/NT Council as Professional
Development Coordinator has also allowed me an avenue to grow
and develop. The friendships and professional relationships that
have resulted from working closely with the other council members
to organise great events has given me a broader network of highly
skilled L&D professionals to bounce ideas off and learn from.
The UniversiTy of new soUTh wales, aGsM BUildinG, randwick
Tel: 02 9931 9230 | Email: residentialcentre@unsw.edu.au | www.venuesandevents.unsw.edu.au
it’s home to australia’s #1 MBa program,
the aGsM MBa and the prestigious aGsM
executive Programs and features:
n two large tiered theatres
n two harvard-style theatres (u-shape tiered
theatre with movable seating)
n two flat-floor seminar rooms
n exhibition space
n entertaining and dining areas
n 43 single-bed hotel rooms with en-suites
and 1 facilitator or program manager’s suite
n up to 16 breakout rooms
n a comprehensive business centre; and
landscaped courtyard
The Unsw conference and
residenTial cenTre in the aGsM
Building is the perfect venue for
meetings, conferences and events.
The newly renovated property opened
in february 2010 and combines
contemporary training facilities with
executive accommodation.
The Unsw conference and
residenTial cenTre in the aGsM
Building is the perfect venue for
meetings, conferences and events.
The newly renovated property opened
in february 2010 and combines
contemporary training facilities with
executive accommodation.