I'm interested! How do I apply?

• The application form can be found here

• If your employer is paying your fees we will need your supervisor’s signed commitment to supporting you throughout the program on the EOI

 
What’s the time commitment for the Leadership Illawarra Program?

• Approximately 5 hours per month work time (9am-5pm Monday-Friday) – apart from the two longer site visits, see below
• In June 2021 there is an overnight trip to Canberra scheduled requiring 2 weekdays
• In 2022 there will be a site visit to NSW Parliament House requiring 1 weekday
• A typical month could have a site visit (1-2 hours) and a workshop (3 hours)
• Social events are optional and occur outside of work hours
• We generally avoid scheduling during school holidays
• There is some preparation work for masterclasses and workshops

 
What kind of things will I be doing?
Over the 2 year program:

• There are 12 site visits (1-2 hours) to businesses in Wollongong and the surrounding area, giving participants the opportunity to experience industries and practices outside of their own, and to meet and talk with leaders from other organisations. These are always scheduled in the afternoon during work time.
• There are 10 workshops (up to 3.5 hours) including a comprehensive program devised by our trusted leadership coach, Eleanor Hayman at Great Managers, covering subjects such as Personal Leadership Skills (self awareness & self management), Team Leadership Skills (how to have critical conversations & setting clear expectations) and Developing, Motivating and Engaging Staff. Also Coaching for Managers, Networking, Innovation and The Illawarra Economy. Workshops are participatory and some require background learning. These are always scheduled in the late afternoon during work time.
• There are 3 UOW Masterclasses (full day), two of which carry credit points towards a future MBA (if post-masterclass assessment is completed to standard). Subjects are Leadership, Governance and Community & Engagement. These are always scheduled on a Saturday.
• You will be paired with 2 different mentors during the program. Our mentors are from a broad range of industries and backgrounds, including for-profit, for-purpose and community groups. Mentors are matched after a ‘speed-networking’ event where each LIP member has a short amount of time with each mentor. Mentoring takes place at the convenience of both parties.  Mentoring engagements are for a period of 4 months (formally) and often continue (informally) beyond the formal period.
• There are numerous social events where participants will have the opportunity to flex their networking skills, including mentoring-based events, Leadership Illawarra Program alumni events and early morning coffee catch-ups. The Illawarra Connection provides a complimentary ticket to 1 Dinner Meeting, which is another great way to meet like-minded professionals from the region.

 
What are the benefits of the LIP?

• Gaining hands-on experiential leadership learning in the company of like-minded individuals
• Growing your professional network
• Exposure to leadership practices in organisations and business sectors different from your own
• Putting these lessons into practice at your own organisation
• Self-reflection, self-awareness and self-development

How much does it cost?

• $4,000.00 per year (plus GST), over a two year commitment
• Participants can pay in full at the beginning of the program (preferred) or work out a payment schedule with our staff