Kevin J. Smith needs to be at the top of his game every day, especially during bushfire season. As Contracts, Safety, Security and Compliance Manager for Fire Rescue Victoria, Kevin ensures firefighters and others providing emergency response services have whatever they need to protect Victorian communities.
“My role focuses on specification development, procurement and management of vendors to provide goods and services across the state,” says Kevin, who’s responsible for a portfolio of more than 100 sites worth $1 billion. “I chose to work in the emergency services sector following an awesome volunteer experience. I was fortunate to meld my passion for community service with my qualifications and background in facilities management.”
Kevin has developed his skills and confidence as an effective asset manager through his IPWEA membership. So far, he’s completed two IPWEA Asset Management Pathway courses: Integrating Asset Management & Governance and Asset Management Planning.
“I chose the Integrating Asset Management & Governance course to help build on my understanding of governance obligations and how this is interrelated with asset management,” he says. “This is enabling me to exercise more influence with senior leaders of the organisation.”
He selected the Asset Management Planning course “to clearly communicate core elements and how they are interdependent throughout the AMP”.
IPWEA courses ‘challenging and rewarding’
Property is in Kevin’s blood. Before working for Fire Rescue Victoria and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Kevin was facilities manager at Ambulance Victoria and the Victoria State Emergency Service. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a real estate agent on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
He says IPWEA’s courses have stoked his passion for asset management and his desire to take his career to the next level.
“I’m ready to leave my comfort zone and accept the challenge of working full-time in asset management practice,” he says. “IPWEA’s education has enhanced my career by aligning my previous experiences in real estate and body corporate management, facilities management, contract management and project management to be an effective asset management professional.”
Kevin says a personal highlight was the chance to collaborate with mentors and other professionals. “I took great interest in the diverse applications of asset management practice undertaken by my cohorts and the quality of discussions and engagement.”
His advice for anyone considering an IPWEA Asset Management Pathway course? “I’m positive you’ll find the courses both challenging and rewarding,” says Kevin. “I’m a self-funded learner, so I found the courses affordable and beneficial to my personal objectives. Go for it.”
