In our last episode, we learned about Joanne Carrington’s career journey in England. Now in this ninth episode of our global career series, we venture all the way to Australia to meet Trent Loader, an experienced career development practitioner based in regional Victoria. With over 25 years in diverse roles, Trent offers invaluable insights and a unique perspective shaped by his multifaceted professional journey.
Profile Snapshot: Trent Loader
Demographics:
- White Anglo-Saxon Male
- Located in Regional Victoria, Australia
Background:
- 25+ years of experience in career development
- Current Doctoral Candidate
Education:
- Master of Education (Career Development)
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Graduate Diplomas in Education, Management, Counselling Psychology, Vocational Education & Training, and Training Design & Development
Areas of Expertise:
- Career Education curriculum integration
- Disengaged and disadvantaged youth
- Chaos Theory of Careers
Trent Loader describes himself as a “White Anglo-Saxon Person (WASP) Male” located in Regional Victoria, Australia.
Education and Expertise:
Trent shares that he is a “Current Doctoral Candidate, Master of Education (Career Development), Bachelor of Social Science, Graduate Diploma of Education, Graduate Diploma of Management, Diploma of Counselling Psychology, Diploma of Vocational Education & Training, Diploma of Training Design & Development.”
Best of luck now you’ve approached the end of your doctoral journey, Trent!
He describes his areas of expertise include “Disengaged and Disadvantaged Young People and Their Parents.” He attended the Australian Catholic University, Monash University, Charles Sturt University, and the University of Ballarat for his studies.
Career Path:
Trent started as a Youth Worker in Local Government and also a community agency with the Alcohol & Drug Team before transitioning into teaching roles including Careers Teacher and Head of Secondary School. He took on leadership positions such as RTO Manager and Acting Principal at Ballarat Christian College. Trent states, “A workplace accident whilst working with disengaged young people on an adventure activity severely injured my back. I used the recovery time to complete a Graduate Diploma of Education, moving from Social Work into Education as a Teacher.”
Trent shares how he is “a Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) registered career development practitioner, Trent has been a professional member of the CDAA for 16 years. With over 25 years’ experience in career development, Trent is currently an Assistant Director in the Careers and International Skills Division of the Australian Government Department of Employment & Workplace Relations. He has also been the Director of Career Education at Education Services Australia, and an Education Manager at Federation University.“
Trent spent 15 years as the Careers Teacher/ VET Coordinator at Ballarat Christian College, where he was the Head of Secondary School, RTO Manager and Acting Principal. Undertaking professional development in 2007, presented by Professor Jim Bright, Trent was first introduced to the Chaos Theory of Careers. This inspired him to apply for the Australian Government’s scholarship for Careers Advisers, where he was one of the original recipients. He used the scholarship to complete the Master of Education (Career Development) at the Australian Catholic University in 2009. Before moving into teaching, Trent spent 10 years in the Social Work field specialising in high-risk adolescents and youth employment, working in both local and state governments, as well as community agencies including Uniting Care as a Youth Alcohol & other Drug Counsellor.
Career Turning Point: A workplace accident (Chance event, hence my interest in Chaos Theory of Careers) whilst working with disengaged young people on a adventure based activity, severely injured my back and I could not work for nearly 12 months, as such I used the time (mostly lying down) and did a Graduate Diploma of Education, where I moved from the Social Work industry into the Education industry as a Teacher (and was naturally offered Student welfare and careers as part of my teaching load).
Challenges and Successes:
Trent shares that physical challenges from a back injury impacted his active lifestyle and teaching. He focused on accepting his limitations. Trent is proud of organically developing student wellbeing and careers programs.
Motivation and Philosophy:
Trent was driven to support disengaged youth, which carried through his varied roles. He states, “My work philosophy is to accept what you cannot change and work to improve what you can. All happened very organically, even as a Youth Worker, I had an employment focus (due to the funding of the various positions). Once moving into teaching my Principal recognised my experience and capitalised on it for the College and I developed a Student Wellbeing Program and Team. Also developed a Careers program, including curriculum for years Prep to year 12 in career education.
Trent shares his work philosophy “Accept what you cannot change and work to improve what you can”
Influences:
Trent credits his first principal Kerry Hutton and doctoral supervisor Jim Bright for mentoring him in leadership and introducing career theories.
A Day in the Life:
Trent describes his typical day involving meetings, teamwork, and individual tasks.
Industry Outlook and Learning:
Trent envisions an evolving career landscape requiring adaptability and unpredictable navigation. He advises embracing uncertainty.
Favourite Theory:
Trent enjoys the Chaos Theory of Careers for its unconventional approach aligning with modern complexities.
The Chaos Theory of Careers views careers as complex, dynamic systems that are inherently unpredictable rather than linear and stable. It emphasises careers as non-linear journeys involving chance events, uncertainty, and unpredictability. Individuals must embrace flexibility and adaptability to navigate chaotic career paths successfully. The theory challenges conventional notions of orderly, predictable career planning and highlights the complexity and unpredictability of modern career development.
Advice to Others:
Trent suggests specialising and joining the CDAA, and maintaining a commitment to helping others. Trent goes onto share his top tips including “Continual Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your own skills, approach, and effectiveness as a career practitioner. Adapt and improve based on feedback and personal growth.
Create a Niche: Consider specialising in a specific area such as career transitions, working with specific populations (e.g., students, veterans, executives), or industries that you’re particularly knowledgeable about.
Professional Organisations: Join a career development association such as the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) and other networks to connect with peers, access resources, and stay updated on industry developments.
Remember that being a career practitioner requires a genuine desire to help others and a commitment to ongoing learning. Your ability to guide individuals toward fulfilling and meaningful career paths can make a positive impact on their lives and contribute to the overall success of your career.”
The Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) is the national professional association representing career practitioners across Australia. Founded in 1982, the CDAA serves over 1300 members by providing professional development, events, advocacy, resources, certification, and opportunities for information sharing. As the peak body for the career development industry in Australia, the CDAA aims to support quality service provision, promote ethical practice, and advance the professionalism and recognition of the field through initiatives like the annual National Career Development Conference and Professional Standards for practitioners. More information can be found out by accessing their website: https://www.cdaa.org.au/
Encapsulating Quote:
Trent parts by sharing his favourite quote by his former Doctoral supervisor, Professor Jim Bright, “The idea that people plan their careers is a myth; careers are chaotic and largely unpredictable journeys.” This quote encapsulates the central concept of the Chaos Theory of Careers, which challenges the traditional notion of linear career planning and highlights the unpredictable and complex nature of career trajectories.”
The quote that stands out the most for me is “Careers are chaotic and largely unpredictable journeys.”
Trent Loader’s story provides a fascinating look into the career landscape in Australia. Next, we head back to England to connect with Darrin Steward, so stay tuned for more inspiring stories from career development professionals around the world!
Doctoring a Career 