Josie Daniele (nee Petrillo)

I completed my Achievement Certificate at La Salle College. A presentation by Midland Technical College lecturer Margaret Beaman made me decide that a business course at the College sounded like the perfect next step - and it was! I completed the Commercial Studies Clerk Typist Certificate and Shorthand Typist Certificate, receiving the award for "The student to achieve the highest shorthand speed in one year – 100 words per minute". I think they made up that award for me.

By November 1975 I was employed by Roadshow Film Distributors as a Receptionist, Short-hand Typist. I enjoyed the excitement of being involved with the release of new films and working in the film industry but I decided I wanted to use my shorthand more and secured a position with the Crown Law Department’s Public Trust Office. I resigned to get married and travel overseas for 4 months. On return I was employed at Mount Lawley Technical College until I secured a position with BP Australia Limited. After four years at BP I left to start my family. I had become popular with the staff through being the Secretary of the BP Social Club and being involved with the organisation of many very successful functions.

My next challenge was to go into business to pursue my hobby of floristry. This allowed me to juggle family and work, being creative and enjoying my little ones at the same time. Running a business and family at the same time also presented a sharp learning curve.

I then sold the business to pursue a business partnership with my husband making potato chips. It was very hard work! I also commenced part-time teaching at that time. The business grew, my part-time teaching hours increased and my husband was offered a different position, so we sold the business. Teaching became my career which I had wanted since I was six years of age!

I have had very diverse, challenging and exciting experiences in my years in industry. I attribute my success to my strong educational foundation at primary school, high school and at Midland and Perth Technical Colleges, in particular to the business courses, which gave me the essential skills to work in administration, management and marketing. These skills are critical to being successful in business, both in small and large organizations and I am very proud to be a part of imparting these skills through my teaching career at Swan TAFE.

Josie Daniele now lectures in Business Studies at the Midland Campus of Swan TAFE

 

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