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Enriching lives through education

This is our core purpose and everything we do must align with this – our “why”

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We are on a mission to enrich lives through education.

Let’s get real here, everyone wants to be confident and competent at what they do; and are committed to ‘doing their job right’ each and every day. Because who goes to work to stuff up – right?

This is what Enriching lives through Education is about; it’s about you, the individual, and the positive impact education will have on you, your immediate family and work. A better you makes a better life!

We are bloody good at training and care about investing in people and make no excuses for providing a no BS approach. As an Australian-owned and operated Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID: 31972) we offer high-quality industry courses across Australia by working to our purpose each and every day!

So, get on board and you too can achieve great things!

If you’d like to read more on where it all started, check-out our story here.

Meet The Team

THE BOSS

Heather Gardner

Heather has been in the construction industry for over 30 years which means she is super passionate about everything within it, most of all a no bullshit practical outcome driven result for our clients.  True to her commitment she decided that training needed to be way better, so she bought a business.  She is 100% dedicated to finding new and better ways for clients and FTA to stand out and be the best in knowledge and education.

Heather inspires us to think differently to create the best experience for everyone.  She is forever asking ‘can we do that better – what is the impact on our clients’ and she certainly doesn’t back down from challenging the status quo.

Otherwise: When it comes to down time, she loves getting out of the city nearly every weekend, into the simple things in life at her farm.  Spending time with family and grandkids (and the cows, who are technically family too!) and climbing the odd mountain here and there keeps her firmly grounded.  Oh! Not to mention she keeps us supplied in farm grown avocado’s and the best honey you could eat!

GENERAL MANAGER

Joanne Brooks

Joanne has over 30 years in the education and finance sector, during which she has never tired of the thrill of watching the “light bulb” moment in students’ eyes. Her approach is that FTA don’t deliver education services, “we enable student goals to be achieved- get that promotion, go for that tender, build the business – that’s what gives me goose bumps!” It’s this passion for education and business that drives her each and every day.

Joanne is our Oprah, and inspires us to be the best in the game every single day, she cuts no corners when it comes to ensuring quality in all things we do.

Otherwise: When Joanne takes a break from us, she enjoys spending time with her family and is 100% a dog person. Her dogs are even trending on Instagram, yep they have more followers than you.

SALES SUPPORT EXECUTIVE

Salvatore Contarino

Although only relatively new to the education industry, my passion is grounded in a robust mission to make a difference. The culture and mission of FTA provides me the privilege to engage with individuals to seek and deliver ideal outcomes for their career advancement.

My “WHY” reflects a deep desire and determination to impact lives in the most positive way possible. To know that I can influence someone’s life and see them progress and benefit from my advice and support, is the most satisfying achievement I can ask for.

This is the heart and soul of who I am that fuels my motivation. Working with learners at our Success Connect Program, helping them find employment, and enriching their lives as a result, is a totally rewarding experience. I look forward to helping many more people embark on a journey with FTA, to enhance their lives for the better.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Queensland Certificate of Education
  • Certificate I in Information, Digital Media and Technology (ICA10111)
  • Certificate II in Tourism (SIT20112)

“ Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

 

Email:info@fta.edu.au

MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

Laura Zuber

Laura is from England, has lived in Spain and moved to Brisbane after travelling the world and falling in love with the city. She worked as a marketing manager and web developer before running her own award-winning photography business.

She believes in passion, hard work and nurturing skills and talent with positive motivation. She always wants to be learning and growing.

Otherwise: When it comes to down time, she loves climbing, travelling to as many different places as she can, reading psychology books and improving her extensive film knowledge! She has been to every Disney park more than once!

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced Level Film Studies (H467)
  • Advanced Level Media Studies (9607)
  • Advanced Level English Language (7702)
  • Advanced Level Photography (Q000513)
  • Diploma in Nutritional Science (FDF50311)

“Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” – Dr Emmett Brown (Back to the Future)

CLIENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Tammie Mason

Not afraid of challenge, Tammie is a pro when it comes to all things customer service and delivering results. With over 14-yrs experience in the airline, hospitality and medical industries she brings a diverse bag of tricks from a life well-travelled. Her motto for her customers is “if you’re not happy, she’s not happy”, so you’re guaranteed a job well done each and every time.

Confession: When Tammie isn’t hanging out with her German Shepherd pup, Murphy. She is venturing around the country side seeking out the best mountain views, prettiest sunsets, best wineries or piece of cheese! 

CLIENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Derek Kimble

Derek has over 25 years in the building and construction industry with an additional 15 years of training and assessment in the VET sectors. Derek has extensive experience in recruitment, training and employment of apprentices for private and non-profit RTOs.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Diploma of Management (BSB51107)
  • Certificate IV Occupational Health and Safety (BSB41407)
  • Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAE40110)
  • Diploma of Training, Design & Development (TAE50216)
  • Builder – Low Rise QBCC
  • Certificate III – Carpentry (CPC303028)
  • Certificate III – Fibrous Plastering and Solid Plastering

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” – Mahatma Gandhi

Trainer Assessor

Grant Rangi

Grant is our Mega Rock Star Trainer.  He embodies our belief of lifelong learning with a massive 18meg file for his qualifications and that’s compressed!

Grant is an industry expert who shares his knowledge, wisdom, and experiences readily and freely with not only his students but with management on sites.   He is our go-to expert in everything about the VET sector.

Otherwise: In his downtime he enjoys time with his huge family and friends.

Trainer Assessor

Adam Maller

Derek has over 25 years in the building and construction industry with an additional 15 years of training and assessment in the VET sectors. Derek has extensive experience in recruitment, training and employment of apprentices for private and non-profit RTOs.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31211)
  • Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31411)
  • Certificate III in Capentary (CPC30211)
  • Certificate III in Concreting (CPC30313)
  • Certiticate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining ( CPC31211)
  • Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40110)
  • Work Safety at Heights (RIIWHS205D)
  • Business Management for Construction Industry (7466)
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assesment (TAE40116)

“Do something today that your future self will be thankful for.”

Trainer Assessor

Travis Knight

I started working with my dad very early on and him and his supervisors taught me a lot of what I know today. I was your typical smart-arse teenager and thought I knew everything but soon realised I didn’t know that much! I started working as a labourer and was lucky to meet and team up with some great guys who taught me everything they knew. I have always been told to pay it forward and enjoy what you do. Being able to learn means you can teach and pass on knowledge.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Certificate III in Plant Operations (RII30815)
  • Certificate III in Civil Construction (RII30915)
  • Certificate III In Landscape Construction (AHC30916)
Trainer Assessor

Justin Doyle

Justin has gained a wealth of experience having worked for more than 25 years’ in the landscape, civil and training industries both in Australia and overseas.

From the outset, his level of commitment to producing a high-end service gained a reputation amongst his clients, landscape architects/designers and pool builders. This has led to his involvement in many notable projects, developments and displays in the Melbourne and South East Queensland landscape and garden scene.

He has been responsible for the design and construction of multiple high end residential projects, as well as the management and construction of commercial and urban developments.

Justin has managed the construction of multiple award winning projects in both Victoria and Queensland, with the pinnacle being the landscape of Riverlight Apartments in Noosa Heads, which was awarded LQI 2009 Landscape of the Year.

He also finds the time to give back to his community and the planet through education and mentorship. He hopes to reshape the world through the creation of sustainable neighbourhoods and more green space in urban environments.

Above all, Justin seeks to pass on his knowledge and experience and wants his students to achieve success to the best of their ability.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

  • 25 years of Landscape/ Civil Industry Experience
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110)

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

  • Certificate III in Parks and Gardens (AHC30910)
  • Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC31010)
  • Diploma in Landscape Design
  • Advanced Certificate in Horticulture
  • Post Graduate Degree in Urban and Regional Planning

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

  • Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31411)

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

  • Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations (RII30813)
  • Certificate IV in Civil Construction Supervision (RII40713)

BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

  • Certificate IV in Project Management (BSB41513)
  • Diploma in Project Management (BSB51415)
  • Diploma in Business Management (BSB50401)

“Education and knowledge is transformative.” – Unknown

Email:info@fta.edu.au

TRAINER ASSESSOR

Bob Ziebell

Bob has been in the construction business for over 35 years, he owns his own construction company which he started once achieving his first certificate. He has since then had a variety of roles within the conduction industry, seeing first-hand the gaps in proper training and factual guidance which fueled his ambition to become an assessor. He has now been a trainer assessor for over 6 years and believes to keep current you must live the part not act it!

“Do it once, do it tight, prove the student can do it.”

TRAINER ASSESSOR

Andrew Albore

Helping and working with people is something that Andrew has done throughout his career and training is just one element of that. Andrew has lead a fulfilling, 15-year career, in painting and decorating and carpentry. He has great strength in working with students and a passion for the building industry.

Otherwise: When he’s not Training, you’ll either find Andrew surfing the waves, slopes (skiing) and even mountains (mountain bike riding) with his family, or he’ll be traveling overseas and brunching with friends and family.

TRAINER ASSESSOR

Geoff Chant

TRAINER ASSESSOR

Daniell Goodin

Courses:

TRAINER ASSESSOR

John Scott

TRAINER ASSESSOR

Craig Stuart

TRAINER ASSESSOR

George Frilingos

Industry Engagement

Our Difference

We are the benchmark in education and training performance and we’re bloody good at it.

Learner Support

Ever started a course where you had no support? Our trainers have years of hands-on experience in their field, providing you with unparalleled access to first-hand industry knowledge & the support you need to start & finish your training with ease.

Limitless Learning

Have you ever hesitated when it comes to learning? So many people do. We believe that you should be able to learn in inspiring and innovative ways.  That’s why we tailor our training to suit how you learn best.

Skill Confidence

Be the one everyone knows will get the job done right. It is our mission to develop the complete professional: a workforce that is not only technically skilled but represents the next generation of leaders, today and tomorrow.

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We believe in

Genuine

We are real because we are authentic.

No BS

Focus on stuff that matters.

Fun

As one team we are a fun, focussed family.

We give a shit

We actually give a shit, experience our commitment.

Disruptors

We don’t stand still.

Legit

Our word is our bond, our bond is our truth.

Grit

We operate with integrity, we are resilient.

Cheers

We celebrate all wins.

Growth

We embrace lifelong learning.

Impact

Not your everyday thinkers.

Mavericks of Training

Building a workforce of craftsmen and craftswomen who are technically skilled and professionally capable to lead the way of our industry
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