ID: A smiling woman with dark hair wearing a green top.

Career changes can often feel daunting, especially when moving into a completely different industry. But as Skye has discovered since joining My Ability Pathway (MAP) as Workforce Planner, the skills you develop throughout your career can be more transferable than you might think.

A Role That Supports the Team Behind the Scenes

As MAP’s Workforce Planner, Skye plays a key role in ensuring the organisation’s services run smoothly.

“As MAP’s Workforce Planner, I coordinate client support schedules and support operational planning,” Skye explains. “My role focuses on streamlining processes, analysing data, and providing behind-the-scenes support so teams can deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes for our clients.”

While much of the work happens behind the scenes, it plays an important part in ensuring teams have the structure and support they need to deliver the best possible outcomes.

A Career Built on Strong Experience

Before joining MAP, Skye spent more than 25 years working in the franchising industry in roles spanning legal and compliance, finance, debt recovery and administration. Those experiences provided a strong foundation in organisation, planning and operational systems.

Today, she’s applying those skills in a new environment.

“My goal at MAP is to continue strengthening workforce planning and operational systems while supporting the team to work efficiently and confidently,” she says. “I’m rapidly learning about the disability sector while contributing to MAP’s ongoing growth and improvement.”

An Opportunity That Started with a Conversation

Skye’s journey to MAP began in an unexpected way.

“In late 2025, MAP identified a need for stronger workforce planning and operational support,” she explains. “Through a school-pick up conversation with Charlotte, I was introduced to the opportunity – it quickly became clear the role aligned well with my skills and experience.”

Not long after, Skye stepped into the newly created Workforce Planner role and began applying her experience to a sector focused on supporting people and communities.

Adapting to a New Sector

Transitioning into disability services brought some new perspectives and learning opportunities.

“The biggest adjustment has been shifting from a process-driven environment to one where participant outcomes come first,” Skye says.

“While systems and structure remain important, flexibility is essential in disability services. Learning to balance efficiency with care-focused decision-making has been a rewarding challenge.”

The Value of Transferable Skills

For anyone considering a career change into the disability sector, Skye believes transferable skills are incredibly valuable.

“Don’t underestimate the value of your transferable skills!” she says. “Skills like organisation, planning, communication, and problem-solving are highly relevant.”

She also encourages people to approach the change with curiosity and patience.

“Be open to learning, ask questions (I’ve asked plenty!) and give yourself time to adjust. MAP is very supportive and encourages people to grow into their roles.”

These skills don’t just help individuals transition into new roles – they also strengthen organisations.

“Transferable skills bring fresh perspectives and practical solutions,” Skye explains. “They help improve processes, support teams, and ensure services run smoothly.”

“At MAP, these skills directly contribute to better coordination, stronger operations, and improved outcomes for our clients.”

Finding Highlights in the Everyday

Like any role, workforce planning comes with both rewarding moments and challenges.

“A highlight is seeing schedules, systems, and processes working well and knowing the team feels supported,” Skye says.

At the same time, the role requires strong organisation and adaptability.

“A challenge is managing multiple moving parts across the organisation – but staying organised, adaptable, and calm helps.”

What makes a difference, she says, is the supportive culture at MAP.

“The collaborative culture at MAP makes a big difference.”

Making a Meaningful Impact

For Skye, one of the most important things people should know about working at MAP is that diverse experiences are valued.

“MAP values diverse experience and supports people to succeed, regardless of their background,” she says.

“Even if you come from a different industry, your skills can make a real and meaningful impact here – for both the team and the people we support.”