In the ever-evolving world of vocational education and training, few names shine as brightly as Sukh Sandhu. A dynamic leader with an impressive academic and professional background, Sukh stands at the helm of Career Calling International and Compliance and Quality Assurance (CAQA), guiding these organisations with a vision rooted in quality, innovation, and global impact.
A Passion for Learning and Leadership
Sukh’s journey is a powerful example of lifelong learning and relentless ambition. His academic portfolio is extensive, boasting qualifications such as a BCA, PGDCA, PGDBM, LLM (International Business Law – GGU, USA), three MBAs in IT, Executive Marketing, and Operations, an MSc IT, MIT, MCA, alongside ISO certifications like 9001:2015 and Lean Six Sigma. With over 25 years of experience in the vocational education sector, he has led international colleges, managed compliance across RTOs, TAFEs, and universities, and currently spearheads two successful education consultancy firms.
What inspired Sukh to lead? A genuine desire to transform lives through education. This mission continues to fuel his journey as an Executive Director.
What Career Calling International Offers
Career Calling International is a leading education consultancy dedicated to supporting Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Higher Education Providers (HEPs). The firm specialises in registration, compliance, audits, validation services, and risk management, ensuring providers meet ASQA, TEQSA, and CRICOS standards. Through strategic planning, digital tools, and tailored resources, the company empowers clients to deliver exceptional training while navigating complex regulations.
At the Helm: Sukh’s Role and Milestones
As Executive Director, Sukh leads the strategic direction and long-term vision of the organisation, overseeing operations to ensure sustainable growth and market leadership. He manages a wide range of compliance consulting services, guiding a team of experts in navigating complex regulatory frameworks across the education sector. Sukh plays a pivotal role in fostering strong client relationships through tailored engagement and needs-based solutions.
The transformational leader ensures all services align with evolving VET and Higher Education standards, while actively collaborating with regulators and stakeholders to maintain the company’s trusted reputation. Sukh also drives innovation across cross-functional teams, delivering high-quality, client-centric solutions that reflect the brand’s commitment to excellence and integrity.
Key Miletones includes:
- Supported thousands of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) through successful audits.
- Developed industry-leading training resources to support educational excellence.
- Expanded digital presence to enhance accessibility and user experience.
- Built a strong reputation for integrity, earning the trust of education providers nationwide.
- Fostered strategic partnerships with TAFEs, universities, and private training providers.
- Demonstrated consistent growth driven by a commitment to quality and compliance.
- Played a pivotal role in guiding clients through regulatory reforms, shaping a future-ready education landscape.
These achievements reflect the company’s growing impact on the education sector, particularly in ensuring compliance and fostering excellence.
Challenges and the Drive to Succeed
Like any leader, Sukh faces challenges—chief among them being regulatory changes and stakeholder expectations. However, his drive comes from the positive impact of his work. Helping RTOs empower learners and improve education outcomes keeps him motivated. The transformational leader’s passion for systemic reform, supported by a strong team, helps him overcome obstacles with resilience and optimism.
Business Model and Outreach
Career Calling International operates on a client-centric business model, offering subscription-based resources and project-based consulting. It reaches clients through digital marketing, industry events, and referrals. Strategic alliances with regulators and educational institutions expand its influence and effectiveness across the sector.
A Team Built on Collaboration and Innovation
The success of Career Calling International is also rooted in its diverse and expert team. From educators and auditors to IT specialists, each member brings unique skills to the table. The company culture is one of collaboration, integrity, and continuous learning. Weekly meetings, open communication, and shared goals fuel innovation and ensure productivity.
Initiatives like the “Innovation Lab” encourage experimentation. Notable successes include a virtual reality assessment tool and an adaptive learning platform, both created in-house. Regular training, professional development plans, and team celebrations foster a supportive environment where excellence thrives.
A Collaborative and Decisive Leadership Style
Sukh’s leadership style is a balance of collaboration and decisiveness. He empowers his team, listens actively, and adapts to change with agility. His success mantra—“Lead with purpose, adapt with agility”—sums up his approach. By focusing on integrity, innovation, and impact, he has earned trust and delivered consistent results.
Achievements and Accolades
Numerous milestones and accolades have been achieved by CAQA, Career Calling International, and Sukh.
- CAQA – Compliance & Quality Assurance:
– Won Outstanding Leadership Award – Education 2.0 Conference (Global).
– Received 2024 World’s Outstanding Leaders in Quality Education – The CXO Time.
– Named among World’s Best Brands & Business Leaders 2024 – The Executive Lens.
– Finalist – Open Learning Award 2023 for innovation in learning accessibility.
– Celebrated 15 Years with Award for Excellence in Compliance & Risk Management.
– Supported 1000+ RTOs through successful ASQA audits.
– Developed thousands of compliant training resources.
– Contributed to national VET policy and compliance reforms.
- Career Calling International:
– Winner – Mark of Excellence Award (Asia Pacific) 2025, Dubai.
– Recognised by CXO Time for Leadership in Quality Education (2024).
– Named in The Executive Perspective: Leading Brands & Business Leaders 2024.
– People’s Choice Award winner – 2011, 2012, 2013.
– Top RTO/VET Resources Supplier – 2009 to 2024.
– Finalist – ILP Asia Pacific L&D Team Excellence Award 2024.
– Winner – OpenLearning Best Learning Experience Design 2023 (CEO Program).
- Sukh’s Recognitions:
– Leadership Awards – Business Frontier 2025.
– Featured in The Leadership Hall & on Times Square Billboard.
– Burj CEO Award 2023 – for global economic impact.
Future Roadmap
The roadmap for 2025/2026 is ambitious yet strategic. Career Calling International aims to launch AI-driven compliance tools, expand its virtual training platforms, and grow internationally. By 2030, the company envisions empowering thousands of training organisations worldwide, continuing its mission of providing accessible, industry-relevant education.
Thoughts on the VET Market
Sukh sees the vocational education sector as both challenging and full of opportunity. With increasing regulatory demands and the rise of digital transformation, providers must stay agile. Career Calling International stands out by delivering innovative, compliant, and high-quality solutions that help clients stay ahead.
A Message to the Readers
Sukh’s message is clear and powerful:“Embrace education as a lifelong journey. Lead with integrity, support your teams to innovate fearlessly, and build systems that endure.”
Words of Wisdom
To budding business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, Sukh advises: “Dream big but stay grounded. Embrace challenges as growth opportunities. Build trust, stay adaptable, and always lead with courage. Impact matters more than profit—create systems that empower others.”