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From corporate career to trade business owner: Leonie’s next chapter

From corporate career to trade business owner: Leonie’s next chapter

Sep 18 2026
Leonie made a bold career change after studying waterproofing at Melbourne Polytechnic

After her successful international software marketing career met an unexpected stop, Leonie Schafer saw an opportunity to change careers and completely reshape her life.  

Leonie and her husband had always talked about running their own waterproofing business. Leonie had decades of experience in marketing and sales, so was confident with some additional training she could pick up the knowledge she needed in waterproofing.  

Melbourne Polytechnic was an easy choice for Leonie, as she needed classes that worked around the casual marketing jobs she was doing – and Melbourne Polytechnic offered evening classes two nights a week. 

“The best part of the course for me was the timing of it. I could juggle studying and work on the side.” 

For Leonie, studying a Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing CPC31420 was initially about expanding her industry knowledge. What she didn't anticipate was how much she would enjoy developing practical skills and gaining firsthand experience in the trade. 

When Leonie was studying, one piece of advice from her teacher Chris particularly stuck with her. He explained that finding an experienced professional to learn from after graduation could make all the difference in building confidence and developing practical skills. 

Fortunately, Leonie had that opportunity close to home. Working alongside her husband in their newly established business gave her access to valuable on-the-job training while allowing the pair to grow their company together. 

"I went into this thinking, I'll do the course and it will give me the confidence to talk to customers – but now I'm also on the tools." 

Leonie enjoyed the hands-on work she was able to do as part of the course, saying that everyone had their own miniature bathroom to learn in. The biggest boost to Leonie's confidence came from being able to learn while doing. 

The practical training was one of the standout aspects of the course for Leonie. She appreciated having the opportunity to apply waterproofing techniques in a realistic learning environment and learn directly from industry specialists who visited classes to share their expertise. 

Those industry connections have continued to benefit her after graduation. Many of the manufacturers, consultants and specialists she met while studying have become valuable contacts she now works with through her business.  

Today, Leonie's role in the business spans everything from sales, marketing and project management through to waterproofing assessments, customer consultations and hands-on waterproofing work. She enjoys the variety that comes with running a small business and the opportunity to draw on experience from her previous careers. 

"I could have picked up the waterproof knowledge without the course, but it would have taken years and years instead of the six months it takes to do the course, plus you get the qualification." 

"There's no way I could have been as confident talking to customers if I didn't do the course."  

For Leonie, running her own business, with her husband, has been a steep learning curve, but one she has embraced. Every day brings new challenges, from planning projects and coordinating trades to managing customer expectations and adapting to changing weather conditions. 

She credits the course with giving her the confidence to navigate the technical side of the industry and put her learning into practice. 

Beyond the classroom, Leonie also found value in becoming part of the broader waterproofing community. Through workshops, industry events, and regular webinars, she continues to build her knowledge and grow her professional network. 

Now operating Schafer Waterproofing, Leonie and her husband are focused on the next stage of growing the business. They continue to invest in new tools and technology, particularly in leak detection and waterproofing assessments, while looking for ways to streamline operations and improve efficiency. 

As the business matures, Leonie remains committed to delivering quality outcomes for clients and building a reputation based on expertise, continuous improvement and professional service.