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Higher CPD Cost is not a reflection of quality

Running CPD’s at a higher cost does not in my view reflect that such CPD’s are better quality or that they contain substantial and relevant content needed by agents to work through such complex immigration framework.  I have been a solicitor for 8 years and worked in migration industry since 2009.  Those of us who have been in the industry long enough remember how simple it was to lodge a 457 nomination which virtually contained everything required to for a favorable assessment on the form. There were fewer submissions, no caveats, no begging and pleading with the Department.

In the year 2018, the rules are different, our industry has changed, and immigration became complex, very complex.  The complexity of our immigration framework requires diligent training and ongoing continuing professional support from those who know and understand this framework, those who can offer practical advice and those who are able to pass the knowledge to new and existing agents, in other words, being able to deliver a quality CPD session.  It is an unfortunate over simplification to state that running CPD sessions at higher prices guarantees quality and substance.

I was born and raised in Tajikistan and moved to Australia as a refugee at age of ten.  I went to a public school in the western suburbs which meant that my education was government funded.  I started my journey in Australia without any prior knowledge of English or Australian culture.  I did at the time have a great support system which included my family and my teachers at school.  I wanted to study law but given my socio-economic background the odds were not in my favour.  Nonetheless, I persevered to achieve my goal.  My school had quality teachers and they were receiving countless offers to  leave the public sector and work in private schools.  Nonetheless, they stayed because to them, it was not about the money, it was about the value of education and the ability to provide quality education to all students.  Their effort paid off as many of us went on to achieve our goals and pursue our dream careers. From very early stages of my life, I learnt that better education does not necessarily come from a higher cost.

The lesson continued when I started university.  This time, pursuing my dreams came at a very expensive price (I did receive a double degree, and for that I am grateful).  It was an interesting transition into university life.  The campus was nice, the facilities were also nice, yet the quality and delivery of education was inconsistent and this continued up until my graduation.  This confirmed my earlier realisation that paying a substantially higher price for choosing my preferred university did not automatically result in consistent quality and substance across the board.

There are quality CPD presenters in our profession today and I am privileged to be a part of this cohort. To this day, I am very cautious to buy into something based on price. CPD sessions should be ranked on engagement, practicality, advice as well as in depth of knowledge of the content. Presenters such as myself certainly don’t use money as the motivating factor to deliver quality sessions.  We do it out of passion for the industry and desire to pass on the knowledge across to all cohorts. 

We are fortunate to practice in profession where there is no longer a CPD monopoly and lack of choice which previously in becoming complacent with choice of CPD provider.  Money may be the means, but it is not the end.

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  • Guest
    Craig Louey Thursday, 26 July 2018

    Thanks Ruslan, a great story to read and I can say that when I attended your CPD last year it was both economical in price and good quality in delivery. For other readers, no one has paid me to say this and I am not even a Migration Alliance Member. Just want to name good quality when I see it. Craig Louey MARN 1569099

    Reply Cancel
  • Ruslan-Ahmadzai
    Ruslan-Ahmadzai Tuesday, 31 July 2018

    Thanks Craig. Really appreciated it and I do recall you attending my CPD travelling all the way from Newcastle! Hope all is well.

  • Guest
    Luis Cuadros Thursday, 26 July 2018

    Excellent observation, This is a reality today. Some presenters think that a trip to Europe, tarnsport, food & expenses on top of their high charges for the CPD is all there is to do, thus
    stress agents in to thinking this is the better way because its deductable.....is this the answer??? of course not, CPD's should be of substance to obtain good quality education for our practice.

    Good on you Ruslan you have said the correct thing!

  • Ruslan-Ahmadzai
    Ruslan-Ahmadzai Tuesday, 31 July 2018

    Pleasure Luis!

  • Guest
    Chris McGrath Thursday, 26 July 2018

    You will remember the quality long after you have forgotten the price! And this works BOTH ways. I totally agree a higher cost is NO guarantee of a better product, it's an assumption many have in life. Likewise, a lower price is no guarantee that the product is sub-standard. Congratulations Ross on your personal achievements, well done you!!!

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  • Ruslan-Ahmadzai
    Ruslan-Ahmadzai Tuesday, 31 July 2018

    Thanks so much Chris.

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