When Mia Davarias walked into the State Asphalt Services laboratory fresh out of high school, she was quiet, unsure of herself, and – by her own admission – working with limited skills. Today, she holds a supervisory role, has completed four qualifications with LTT, and took home a national cadet award. Her manager, John Arvanitidis, technical materials manager for Binders, has watched every step of that journey.
Their story is a compelling example of what happens when workplace training is done right.
A Skills Gap That Needed More Than Technical Fixes
John had a clear-eyed view of what was missing when State Asphalt Services first partnered with LTT around four years ago. For him, laboratory work was never just about following a procedure.
“Working in laboratories is a lot more than just doing a test. I wanted people to understand why they’re doing a particular test – and the various components associated with performing it, such as equipment calibrations and the laboratory quality system.” John Arvanitidis
That distinction – between doing and understanding – drove the decision to enrol Mia in a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills. What followed was a progression that neither of them may have fully anticipated at the time.
Training Built Around Real Work
One of the standout features of LTT’s approach, according to John, was how the trainer engaged directly with Mia and her actual work environment. The programme was built around the construction materials testing she was already undertaking, integrated with quality, health and safety, and environmental components.
For Mia, the blend of theory and practical learning made all the difference.
“I was expecting a lot of theory, but I did notice that there was a lot of practicals as well – which I did like, because with the practicals I was able to have more hands-on experience, so I was able to learn more from that.” Mia Davarias
She also valued the flexibility of the delivery model. Working full-time while studying, Mia could complete coursework during quieter periods at the lab, or pick it up at home in the evenings. “I think the balance was good,” – and that ease of access matters enormously for busy workplaces trying to upskill staff without disrupting operations.
Confidence, Career and a National Award
Mia progressed from her Certificate III through to a Certificate IV, a Diploma, and finally an Advanced Diploma – a qualification pathway that has opened doors she didn’t expect when she first started. She now steps in as a supervisor and has taken on responsibility for planning weekly tasks across the lab.
The growth hasn’t just been technical. When asked how her confidence has changed, Mia points to problem-solving as a key shift.
“My confidence has increased a lot, just with problem solving. Now if something happens or an issue does occur, I have more confidence – I know how to handle that and how to resolve it.” Mia Davarias
That personal development culminated in a remarkable achievement: Mia was nominated for a cadet award, won at state level, then travelled to Adelaide and won the national award.
John has seen the broader impact across his team as well. Errors in testing have dropped, repeat tests are less common, and staff are more engaged with their work.
“It’s not just a job anymore. They’re a lot more happy in what they’re doing because they understand how the whole picture fits in – and that’s the reason why we have NATA accreditation.” Mia Davarias
A Seamless Process from Day One
For managers considering LTT training for their teams, the administrative side of getting started is often a concern. John says it was straightforward from the first call.
LTT handled enrolment, set Mia up with a unique student ID, and proactively discussed potential federal government training subsidies – removing much of the paperwork burden from State Asphalt Services. Throughout the training journey, LTT’s support team checked in regularly with Mia, which she says made a genuine difference.
“I got a few phone calls just to check in – to see how it was going, if there was anything they could help with. I really liked that. It was very encouraging.” Mia Davarias
A Recommendation Without Hesitation
When asked if he’d recommend LTT to a fellow manager, John doesn’t pause.
“Definitely, definitely. There was always a gap between someone with a university degree and someone without qualifications – but even a person with a university degree doesn’t necessarily have the practical knowledge of working in a laboratory environment. I have no hesitation in recommending LTT. I think it should be part of their training when they enter the workforce.” John Arvanitidis
For Mia, the message to anyone sitting on the fence is equally direct: “Definitely do it. It works really well if you’re working full time – it makes it easier to get it done whilst you’re working.”
State Asphalt Services continues to encourage all its employees to upskill through structured training. For John, the investment pays for itself – not just in fewer errors and better results, but in the kind of professional pride that turns a job into a career.
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