Insights from Sam Hendry, CEO & Managing Director of Kool Kids Training College
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Sam Hendry, CEO and Managing Director of Kool Kids Training College (KKTC), who are also members here at Riva Offices. With a remarkable journey that spans from local government roles to the tech space, Sam’s shares his story and how his experiences shaped his path to leading KKTC. Join us as we delve into his entrepreneurial journey, the unique offerings of KKTC and his vision for early childhood education and care training.
Sam Hendry, CEO & Managing Director of KKTC (Kool Kids Training College)
Sam’s journey
Sam Hendry’s path to becoming a leader in early childhood education wasn’t a straightforward one. Born and raised in Melbourne, Sam’s early years were marked by hard work and sacrifice, as his parents—both from humble backgrounds—ensured he received a good education. Reflecting on his upbringing, Sam shared, "The hard work of my parents, travelling long distances for my schooling, instilled in me a strong work ethic and a desire to make a difference."
Sam began his career in local government, where he spent a decade, including a significant role as the Chief of Staff for the Lord Mayor of Melbourne. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into leadership and governance. "Working for the Lord Mayor was an intense and rewarding experience. It taught me the importance of strategic thinking and the impact of decisions on a large scale," Sam recalled.
Sam then transitioned into the tech industry during the rise of the internet in the late 90s. "I was very fortunate to get the job and that led to a series of other opportunities in the tech space for about 15 years," he recalls. Before joining KKTC, Sam gained valuable international experience, working overseas in Europe and the UK. His role as Corporate Communications Manager at Melbourne IT and later with AVG allowed him to travel and engage with diverse markets. "I was involved in the opening of eighteen offices worldwide, living in London, and getting to breathe a little bit easier than what I was the day when they said you're fired," Sam shares. These experiences broadened his perspective, equipping him with unique insights into global business operations and the importance of adapting to different cultural and economic environments.
One of Sam’s favourite movies, "Dead Poets Society," resonates with his belief in seizing opportunities. "The mantra of every day, go out and give it a crack," Sam reflects, highlighting the importance of taking initiative. This philosophy has driven Sam’s career and continues to inspire his approach to both personal and professional challenges.
KKTC: Who are they and what do they provide?
Kool Kids Training College (KKTC ) was founded from a place of frustration with the existing training options in early childhood education. Sam explained, “The college was born out of a need for better quality training in our own centres.”
Kool Kids Training College (KKTC) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), specialising in early childhood education and care training. The college offers two key qualifications: The Certificate III and the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. These courses are designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the early childhood sector. KKTC’s approach is deeply rooted in providing high-quality, personalised training that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. By focusing on these two qualifications, KKTC ensures that its programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of aspiring early childhood educators.
"Our key points of difference are the personalisation and the service we offer our students," Sam emphasised.
A unique approach to training
A large part of KKTC’s success lies in its innovative approach to vocational training. Sam emphasises the blend of theory and practical experience, facilitated by advanced technology. “We were the first in our space, that I am aware of, to be fully cloud-based..” he says. This technology-driven approach ensures that students have a seamless and engaging learning experience, with trainers providing hands-on support in long day care centres. The integration of cloud technology has streamlined operations, allowing trainers to focus on mentoring and less on administrative tasks, therefore enhancing the overall quality of education provided.
Success stories
One of the most rewarding aspects of Sam’s role is witnessing the success of KKTC’s students. He shared a particularly memorable story of a boat mechanic who transitioned into early childhood education, who despite initial doubets, successfully transitioned into a career in childcare after completing his Certificate III at KKTC. "Everyone can be shaped and nurtured to work in our sector," Sam reflected. This story, among many others, highlights the college's commitment to nurturing and supporting diverse backgrounds.
Industry Challenges
The childcare sector faces significant challenges, particularly with staff shortages. Sam notes, "COVID was a great disrupter...there was about a 9,000 shortfall of educators in Australia." He believes improving pay rates, enhancing the sector's brand, and providing clear career development opportunities are crucial steps. "Educators play an enormous role...you've got to build the brand of being an educator," Sam stresses. This involves recognizing educators not just as childminders but as professionals who play a pivotal role in the development and education of young children.
He also highlights the importance of competitive benefits and a supportive work environment, pointing to Eden Academy as an example of a centre that offers quality facilities and incentives. "You have to be an employer of choice," Sam asserts, emphasising the need for strong leadership in childcare centres. Providing above-award pay rates, extra incentives, and fostering a sense of community within centres are strategies that can help attract and retain high-quality staff.
Looking ahead
As KKTC continues to grow, Sam is committed to continual improvement and embracing new technologies like AI to further enhance the training experience while maintaining the personal, human touch that defines the college. “AI can improve many aspects of our operations, but the heart of our work remains the connection between trainers and students”, sam affirmed.
Sam also emphasised the importance of continual improvement, referring to kaizen. Focusing on the company’s niche and leveraging the strengths of his team, “Our niche is the Cert 3 and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care”, he says, emphasising their dedication to excellence. This focus allows KKTC to continually refine their programs and stay at the forefront of vocational training in the early childhood education sector.
"We’re always looking for ways to improve, whether through better technology, outsourcing, or refining our systems to enhance the student experience," he explained.
Sam Hendry’s journey from local government to leading Kool Kids Training College is a testament to his resilience, vision, and dedication to early childhood education. Under his leadership, KKTC has become a pioneer in the sector, setting new standards for training and development. As the industry faces ongoing challenges, Sam’s commitment to quality, innovation, and the well-being of educators ensures that KKTC will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of early childhood education.