FindStaff recruitment leading ATCNB into future of Trade Education

IntoWork Group’s FindStaff delivers the perfect match for its sister company Australian Trade College North Brisbane, securing innovative leader to drive college transformation

When ATCNB (Australian Trade College North Brisbane) needed an Assistant Principal who could reimagine vocational education for the modern workforce, FindStaff delivered more than just a candidate—they found a visionary.

Steven Smythe joined ATCNB in September, bringing an unconventional background that perfectly positions him to lead the college’s ambitious modernisation plans. From music teacher and business owner to Registered Training Organisation (RTO) founder and STEM program developer, Steven’s diverse experience reflects the innovative, industry-focused approach ATCNB is pioneering.

What started as one of over 100 job applications during Steven’s return to Queensland turned into a career-defining opportunity—thanks to FindStaff Executive Search Specialist Andrew Kilgour’s approach to talent matching, “It was the only Assistant Principal job I have ever applied for in my life,” Steven said.

“When Andrew rang, I was sort of like, ‘Oh yeah, that job, I just put it in because I thought it might be all right.’ But then the way he walked me through it, it was like, ‘Oh this is actually awesome.'”

The difference, Steven explains, was FindStaff’s genuine focus on finding the right fit for both candidate and client, “There was just this genuine interest as to whether this job was right for you and right for me, not just looking at what the college wants. They were actually going, ‘Alright, does this stuff appeal to you? Are these the things you’re interested in?’ It wasn’t just this ‘I need to tick off a number’ kind of story. That basically turned me around from never wanting to be an Assistant Principal into doing it.”

Andrew Kilgour said a key differentiator in the search was FindStaff’s use of Forsee People Technology psychometric testing, which supported a deeper understanding of candidate fit beyond qualifications and experience.

“The psychometric testing gave us valuable insight into Steven’s traits, work preferences and leadership style,” Andrew said.

“It also highlighted areas for future development, which can now inform his ongoing professional development plan. That ensures we’re not only placing a candidate, but setting them up to stay engaged, perform at their best and grow with the organisation.”

Steven’s unique background proved to be exactly what ATCNB needed. His experience running an RTO, developing vocational programs, and setting up multimillion-dollar STEM facilities in South Australia gives him an insider’s perspective on what truly prepares students for industry success.

“I really like the way RTOs and training do things, and I think it’s a really good way of teaching students,” Steven said. “The way the training works is really good. It’s like, can you do the job? If not, you’re not passing until you can actually do the job. I think school should work that way a bit more.”

Andrew said the recruitment campaign was one of FindStaff’s most successful education placements, reflecting both market appetite and the strength of ATCNB’s reputation.

“The market responded very favourably to this opportunity, and that speaks volumes about the college and the power of the IntoWork Group,” he said.
“The interview process was extremely well managed, and that’s a credit to Brett and his team for their preparation and commitment to creating a positive candidate experience.”

Under Steven’s leadership, ATCNB is positioning itself at the forefront of vocational education with plans that address both current skills shortages and emerging industry needs through advanced technology.

One of the most exciting advantages of being part of the IntoWork group is the potential for industry connections and collaboration, “The network of partnerships we can get through the IntoWork group is what gets me most excited,” Steven said. “Being as it’s not-for-profit but still running in a very commercial space. You make phone calls and stuff happens really quick,” he said.

Already, Steven has been leveraging IntoWork connections to secure industry visits, apprenticeship placements, and equipment partnerships with companies like Tesla, BYD, and local manufacturing firms.

Steven’s experience with FindStaff stands in stark contrast to his previous encounter with recruitment agencies, “FindStaff were awesome. They did all the right things—lots of contact points, didn’t leave me hanging over the weekend. Even if they didn’t have an answer, it was a phone call on Friday afternoon to say, ‘Hey, we’re still working through things.”

The responsive communication and genuine partnership approach left such an impression that Steven is looking forward to working with FindStaff again as ATCNB recruits additional specialised staff for its expansion, “I’m very happy to work with FindStaff and pretty keen to get involved again,” Steven said. “I know we’ll be working together again soon.”